MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — Josh Polubinski hit a go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning and the Western Michigan Broncos held off a late rally to defeat the Central Michigan Chippewas 9-8 on Friday in the first game of a doubleheader at Bill Theunissen Stadium.

Western Michigan led 3-2 before erupting for six runs in the ninth, capped by Polubinski’s four-run homer. Central Michigan answered with five runs in the bottom half, highlighted by Zach Knowlton’s two-run single and Bryson Webb’s two-run double, but fell short.

Broncos starter Sam Carlisle struck out seven over five and one-third innings. Hayden Bailey took a tough loss for Central Michigan, allowing one earned run over seven strong innings. Western Michigan improved to 14-13. Central Michigan fell to 10-16.