MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — Cole Prout’s grand slam capped a five-run seventh inning as the Central Michigan Chippewas rallied to defeat the Western Michigan Broncos 6-3 in the first game of a doubleheader on Friday.

The game, a Mid-American Conference opener for both teams, turned dramatically in the bottom of the seventh after the Broncos had extended their lead. Western Michigan carried a 3-1 advantage into the inning, having scored two runs in the top half on an RBI single by Cade Hums and a run-scoring single from Drew Howard.

Central Michigan’s rally began against reliever Adam Lehmann. Nick Krzciok led off with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Bouscher. Jacob Knowlton followed with another single. After a pitching change brought in Turner Doran, a bunt attempt by Nick Loikits resulted in a fielding error by the first baseman, allowing Bouscher to score and cut the deficit to 3-2.

With the bases loaded and one out, Doran struck out Billy Bowman looking for the second out. He then walked Nate Keilen to reload the bases, bringing Prout to the plate. The left fielder, who had driven in Central Michigan’s first run with a first-inning single, launched a 2-2 pitch over the left-center field wall for a grand slam, giving the Chippewas a 6-3 lead. All five runs in the inning were unearned due to the earlier error.

Prout finished the day 2 for 3 with a walk, a home run and five RBIs, accounting for all but one of Central Michigan’s runs.

The comeback made a winner of reliever Jared Hanson, who worked three innings and allowed one run on four hits. Jack Potteiger and Jake Brown also appeared in relief. The victory went to starter Gavin Moczydlowsky, who delivered five strong innings, scattering four hits and striking out four without allowing an earned run. His performance marked a significant rebound after struggling in his three previous outings, where he allowed five earned runs over four innings.

Western Michigan starter Ricky Kidd was dominant early, pitching five no-hit innings. He allowed one unearned run in the first, walking one and striking out one. He was relieved by Evan Shapiro, who pitched a scoreless sixth. The Broncos’ bullpen could not hold the lead, however, as Lehmann and Doran were charged with the five unearned runs in the decisive seventh.

Western Michigan out-hit Central Michigan 9-8 but stranded nine baserunners. Howard went 2 for 5 with an RBI, and Hums added an RBI single. The Broncos scored an unearned run in the ninth when Howard reached on a throwing error, allowing pinch-hitter Josh Rowold to score.

With the win, Central Michigan improved to 10-16 overall and 1-0 in MAC play. Western Michigan fell to 14-13 and 0-1. The teams were scheduled to play the second game of the doubleheader later Friday.