Topeka, Kan. – The Bearcats opened a three game series against the Washburn Ichabods Friday evening. The Ichabods took game one by a score of 7-1, moving the Bearcats to 11-20 (5-14 MIAA) on the season.
 
The Ichabods scored first and early, taking a 1-0 lead after the 1^st inning. Through two innings, Hunter Hisky and Sam Avila were the only baserunners, both drawing walks. Caleb Sneed reached on an infield single in the 3^rd, but a double play kept him from scoring. In the 4^th, Jackson Soule kept the inning alive with a two out single up the middle. Sam Avila followed with a single through the right side, but nothing more would come of the threat.
 
Caleb Sneed hit another infield single in the 5^th, followed by a Carl Schwettmann single into left center, but they wouldn't go any further. The Ichabods score their second run in the 5^th, taking a 2-0 lead. Washburn boosted their lead to 6-0 in the 6^th after scoring 4 more runs.
 
SBU's lone run came in the 8^th inning. Hunter Hisky hit a one out double to right center and later scored on a single from Noah Tucker. The Bearcats continued to get runners on first and second in the inning, but the one run was all they would score. Washburn's leadoff hitter singled to lead off the 8^th, but the Bearcats turned a double play to get him out. However, the Ichabods still managed to score once more, taking a 7-1 lead into the 9^th inning. Tyler Mathys doubled down the left field line to lead off the 9^th. After an out, Caleb Sneed walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second, but a 5-4-3 double play ended the game.
 
Caleb Sneed and Jackson Soule both collected two hits on the day, leading the way offensively for the Bearcats.
 
Game two of the series is scheduled for 2 PM on Saturday afternoon.