KEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State saw its 11-game losing streak come to an end on Wednesday (Apr. 26) as they picked up a 7-4 win over Nebraska-Kearney. With the win, the Tigers are now 10-33 overall and 3-27 in the MIAA, while the Lopers drop to 13-30 overall and 6-24 in conference play.
The Tigers scored first in the third inning thanks to a pair of hits and a costly UNK error. Ty Redington led off the inning reaching on a fielding error by the Loper shortstop, then ended up on third after a Trevor Hughes double. Freshman, Cody Starkel then made it a 1-0 game with a RBI single.
After a scoreless fourth, Fort Hays State struck again in the fifth for two runs extending its lead to 3-0. With one out, Nick Hammeke became the third Tiger hit by an errant throw and then ended up on second thanks to a passed ball. Hughes then sent a ball over the right field fence for his team-leading sixth home run of the year. In the bottom half of the inning, the Lopers finally got on the board making the score 3-1 after five.
The Tigers added another run in the sixth thanks to a RBI double off the bat of Hammeke but ended up surrendering two runs in the frame making the score 4-3.
In the seventh, the Tigers put the game out of reach as they plated three more runs. Starkel led off the inning with a solo home run to left center and Clayton Basgall scored after a double and three consecutive walks to Dayton Pomeroy, Bryce Witchurch and Marcus Altman. Redington then beat out a double play ball to short on which Pomeroy scored.
UNK added a run in the eighth but that would be it as the Tiger defense ended strong to hold on for the 7-4 win.
For the day, the Tigers had 10 hits with half going for extra bases. Every FHSU batter also reached base at least once in the game, with six crossing the plate at least once.
Ryan Ruder picked up the win for FHSU and now sits at 3-2 on the year. The freshman tossed 5.1 innings allowing two runs on six hits while striking out three. Sam Capps was the only reliever the Tigers needed as he closed out the final 3.2 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out four.
The Tigers play their final home series this weekend (Apr. 28-30) with a three-game series against Pittsburg State. The first pitch for Friday is set for 7 pm and will be the annual “Pack the Park” game.