ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — With the bases loaded and Griffon Baseball facing a 6-4 deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning, Saturday's game with Washburn came down to a full-count duel between
Brenden Andersen and Charlie Kiefer at the Spring Sports Complex.
Missouri Western made the Ichabods sweat throughout the final inning, with
Jerry Nix reaching base with a one-out knock to center field.
Kellen Scruggs joined Nix on the base paths via a walk, as
Halen David came in to pinch run for the Griffon third baseman. A
Jared Munk single to left juiced the bags, setting up
Ryan Neise with a chance to play the role of hero.
Neise ultimately popped out to second, making way for a final matchup between Andersen and Kiefer. Battling to a 3-2 count, Andersen struck out looking to end the game, giving Washburn a 6-4 win in game two of a three-game series.
NOTABLES
- Hunter Olson went 2-for-3 with two RBI, tagging his team-high eighth double in the process. He has seven RBI in his last four games.
- Travis Wiese hit his second home run of the season in the first inning. His first homer of the season occurred on Feb. 28 at Washburn in Topeka, Kansas.
- Pitcher Zack Cushing struck out five Ichabods in five innings of relief work.
UP NEXT
Missouri Western (5-20, 2-13 MIAA) and Washburn (19-10, 12-3 MIAA) wrap up the series on Sunday at noon back at the Spring Sports Complex.