HALDEMAN, Ky. (Interstat) — Aubrey Kearns drove in three runs, including a tying homer in the fifth inning, and Davis Germann delivered a two-run double in the eighth as Morehead State rallied past Western Illinois 8-7 on Sunday at Allen Field.

Morehead State improved to 28-22 overall and completed a three-game Ohio Valley Conference sweep, having won 4-3 on Saturday and 10-8 on Friday. Western Illinois fell to 15-32.

The Leathernecks struck first, scoring two runs in the opening inning. Joe Connolly doubled to right-center, and after a double play erased him, Charlie Campana doubled down the left-field line. Cordell Coburn was hit by a pitch, and a walk loaded the bases before a groundout ended the frame with Western Illinois leading 2-0.

Morehead State starter Connor Davis settled in after the first. Davis worked six innings, allowing five hits and no earned runs while striking out three. He did not factor into the decision.

Western Illinois added a run in the fifth when Connolly singled, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Nick Sheridan, and scored on a groundout. The Leathernecks led 3-0.

Morehead State answered in the bottom of the fifth. Germann was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a balk. Ryan Olson singled him home. Kearns then homered to deep right field, his 11th of the season, scoring Olson and tying the game at 3-3.

The Eagles took their first lead in the sixth. Blake Coomer walked, stole second, and scored on a single by Michael Correa. A single and a groundout moved Correa to third, but he was left stranded as the inning ended with Morehead State ahead 4-3.

Western Illinois reclaimed the lead in the seventh. After two hit-by-pitches, Connolly singled to left, scoring Jake McClintock. Coburn then tripled to deep center, driving in Connolly and Campana to put the Leathernecks ahead 6-4.

The lead grew in the eighth. Connolly singled in Brady Hoover, then after a pitching change, Garrett Bushey doubled. A wild pitch allowed Connolly to score and Bushey to advance to third. Campana singled home Bushey, making it 7-4 Western Illinois.

Morehead State mounted its decisive rally in the bottom of the eighth. Correa singled, and Ryan Dutton singled through the left side. Germann then doubled down the right-field line, scoring both runners and giving the Eagles an 8-7 lead.

Western Illinois threatened in the ninth. McClintock singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch, then Buddy Morse was hit by a pitch. Another wild pitch allowed McClintock to score from second, trimming the deficit to 8-7. But Connolly struck out swinging to end the game.

Key performers included Connolly, who went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Coburn had a two-run triple and finished 1-for-2 with two RBIs. For Morehead State, Kearns went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs. Germann was 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Western Illinois pitchers struggled with command. Brett Buchanan threw two innings, allowing one earned run on no hits with two strikeouts. Harrison Dubois tossed two innings, allowing two earned runs on no hits with one strikeout before departing for a medical reason. Eric Rawlings worked three innings, giving up two earned runs on no hits with three strikeouts.

For Morehead State, Cole Wells earned the win with 1⅓ innings of relief, allowing one earned run on two hits with one strikeout. Kamden Hawks faced one batter and gave up a hit and a run without recording an out. Davis Germann’s double proved the decisive blow.

The game featured three double plays turned by Western Illinois, but the Leathernecks could not overcome the Eagles’ late surge.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Morehead State 7, Western Illinois 5, and its ELO system gave the Eagles a 70.90 percent probability to win.