HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — Lane Arroyos launched a two-run homer in the eighth inning to ignite a three-run rally, and Preston Coley delivered a walk-off single in the 10th as Western Kentucky erased a late four-run deficit to stun Indiana State 6-5 in college baseball on Friday afternoon at Nick Denes Field.

The Hilltoppers, who trailed 5-1 entering the bottom of the eighth, sent the game to extra innings before winning it in their final at-bat to open the three-game series. Both teams finished with nine hits.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the eighth inning. Facing a 5-2 deficit, Western Kentucky’s Kaden Hayes led off with a single. Arroyos then followed by driving a pitch over the right-field fence, pulling the Hilltoppers within a run. After a walk and a stolen base, Reid Howard tied the game with an RBI triple down the right-field line, completing the dramatic comeback against the Sycamores’ bullpen.

Indiana State had built its lead behind a strong start from Jack Armstrong and a key hit from Emil Estrella. Armstrong did not allow a hit over four innings but was charged with two runs, one earned, walking four and striking out two. The Sycamores broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth when Nomar Garcia doubled and Andrew Ortiz walked, setting up Estrella’s two-run triple down the left-field line. Estrella later drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth to push across another run and finished with three RBIs.

Western Kentucky reliever Mick Uebelhor was instrumental in keeping the game close, earning top star honors. Entering with two on and none out in the fifth, he stranded both runners and proceeded to strike out five over 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. His effort provided the bridge for the Hilltoppers’ late offensive surge.

After Howard’s triple tied it in the eighth, Indiana State reclaimed the lead in the top of the ninth. Caleb Niehaus doubled, and with two outs, Estrella’s walk and Carter Beck’s sacrifice fly made it 5-4. Sycamores reliever Hunter Small struck out the side in the bottom of the eighth to preserve the lead at the time, and Breyllin Suriel struck out three over 1 2/3 innings of relief.

In the 10th, Nathan Lawson worked a perfect top half for Western Kentucky. In the bottom half, Suriel recorded two quick outs before walking Hunter Robbins, who then stole second. After another walk, Coley lined a single to right-center, scoring Robbins easily to end the game.

Colby Morse provided three innings of hitless relief for Indiana State, allowing one unearned run. The Sycamores grounded into two double plays, which stifled potential rallies.

With the win, Western Kentucky improved to 8-7 on the season. Indiana State fell to 6-7. The teams are scheduled to continue the series on Saturday.