FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. â Fort Hays State came back from a five-run deficit to win 10-7 over Northeastern State on Friday evening (Apr. 1) at Larks Park. The Tigers improved to 14-15 overall and 8-10 in the MIAA while the RiverHawks moved to 15-13 overall and 9-9 in the MIAA.
Northeastern State did all of its scoring in the first four innings and led 7-2 heading into the bottom of the fourth. The Tigers started their comeback with a four-run fourth, fueled by a pair of home runs, an Alex King solo shot and an Austin Unrein three-run shot. In the fifth, Jace Bowman tied up the game with an RBI groundout.
While the Tigers were mounting their comeback, starting pitcher D.J. Carr settled in and went on to hold the RiverHawks scoreless over the final five innings. Carr threw his third complete game of the season, throwing 143 pitches. Carr only allowed three baserunners after the fourth and retired the side in order in the sixth and eighth. He surrendered 12 hits and two walks while five of his seven runs allowed were earned. He struck out six and moved to 3-3 on the season with the winning effort.
The Tigers pushed past the RiverHawks in the seventh when Bowman plated the go-ahead run with an RBI double and Nick Hammeke followed with an RBI single. Connor Ross provided an insurance run in the eighth with an RBI single.
Zach Poehl took the loss in relief for NSU, throwing 2.2 innings in the game. He allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk but struck out three. He relieved starter Jeremy Mansur, who went 4.1 innings in his start with seven runs allowed.
The Tigers and RiverHawks return to Larks Park on Saturday (Apr. 2) for the second game of the series at 2 pm.