Fort Hays State split a midweek conference doubleheader at Washburn University on Tuesday in Topeka, Kan. FHSU dropped the first game 9-2 before rallying from behind to win the second game 5-2. FHSU remains in fifth-place in the MIAA at 16-16 overall and 14-13 in the MIAA, a half-game behind Washburn.
Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
Coaches Interview 4-10
Game 1: Washburn 9, Fort Hays State 2
FHSU grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the second inning on a Jay Sanders sacrifice bunt RBI that scored JC Ochoa, but Washburn rallied for four runs in the third and never looked back, scoring three more in the fourth and two in the fifth on its way to the 9-2 win.
Nash Smith produced Fort Hays State’s only other run of the game in the fifth on a solo home run.
Tyler Treinen held the Ichabods scoreless for two innings in his first start of the season. He ran into trouble in the third, allowing four runs (three earned). He allowed four hits and two walks with two strikeouts. He took the loss, going to 0-1 on the season.
Tayler Davis was only able to get one out in the fourth, but was responsible for all three runs scored by Washburn in the inning. Andy Hammeke picked up the final two outs of the inning, but he ran into trouble in the fifth and was responsible for the two runs in that inning. Casey Pierce finished the game and did not allow any runs in his two innings of work.
Game 1 Highlights
FHSU vs. Washburn Highlights game 1
Game 2: Fort Hays State 5, Washburn 2
The Tigers were held scoreless for four innings and fell behind 2-0 before Nash Smith tied the game with a two-out, two-run home run in the fifth inning. Then the Tigers took the lead on a solo home run by Ryan Busboom in the sixth.
Sam Thornton started the game on the mound for FHSU, lasting 2.2 innings. He allowed just one run on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts. Shawn Lewick relieved Thornton to get the last out of the third and went 2.1 innings in relief. He allowed just a solo home run in the fourth, but struck out four.
Alex Ellison and Brett Macari shut down Washburn the rest of the way, each throwing 2.0 innings. Ellison held the Ichabods scoreless over the sixth and seventh inning, striking out three and allowing just two hits. Macari shut the door on Washburn in the eighth and ninth for his third save of the season. He did not allow a hit and struck out two.
To help Macari’s cause, Nash Smith delivered a two-out RBI single in the ninth to push the FHSU lead to 4-2. He moved up to second on a wild pitch, then scored on an RBI single by Sheldon Howell.
Game 2 Highlights:
Game Highlights Game 2 4-10