Eastern Kentucky University defeated Western Kentucky, 5-3, after a late comeback on May 6 in Bowling Green. The Colonels scored three runs in the eighth inning to secure the win.
The game was notable for Eastern Kentucky’s resilience after trailing by two runs early. With the bases loaded in the seventh inning, Pedro Moreno singled to left field, bringing home Jackson Reid and Ricco Longo to tie the score at 2-2.
In the eighth inning, David Alvarez started with a single and advanced to third on another hit by Jackson Cauthron. A fielder’s choice from Longo gave Eastern Kentucky its first lead of the game. Reid then doubled, putting runners on second and third. Boone Shevey executed a sacrifice bunt that allowed Longo to score, followed by an infield single from Kobe Benson that brought home Reid for a 5-2 advantage.
Western Kentucky responded with a run in the bottom of the eighth due to a fielding error but could not complete their own comeback. In the ninth inning, Griffin Howell got a ground ball out with two men on base to end the game and earn his third save of the season.
Ricco Longo went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and one RBI for Eastern Kentucky. Moreno had one hit and drove in two runs while Alvarez contributed two hits and scored once. Nine different pitchers each threw one inning for Eastern Kentucky; Carson van Haaren earned the win after pitching a scoreless seventh without allowing any hits.
The Colonels will continue their season with a three-game series at Austin Peay beginning Friday evening.
