HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — Eastern Kentucky rallied from a two-run deficit with a five-run outburst over the seventh and eighth innings to defeat Western Kentucky 5-3 on Wednesday at Nick Denes Field.

The Colonels improved to 12-36 with the victory, while the Hilltoppers fell to 26-23.

Western Kentucky took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. A. Haller singled, R. Howard walked and L. Arroyos grounded into a double play, but Haller advanced to third. After K. Hayes walked, C. Frost singled through the right side to drive in Haller. Frost was then caught stealing, but G. Godbee, who pinch ran for Hayes, scored on the play to give the Hilltoppers a 2-0 advantage.

The score remained 2-0 until the top of the seventh, when Eastern Kentucky broke through. C. Longo singled up the middle, and C. Reid reached on a bunt error by the catcher. After D. Shevey popped out, a failed pickoff attempt by Western Kentucky pitcher T. Reinburg allowed both runners to advance. J. Benson then walked to load the bases. E. Moreno singled to left field, driving in Longo and Reid to tie the game at 2-2. The inning ended with the score still tied after two flyouts.

The Colonels seized control in the top of the eighth. R. Alvarez singled up the middle, and B. Cauthron singled to put runners at the corners. Longo then reached on a fielder’s choice, plating Alvarez for a 3-2 lead. Reid doubled down the right-field line, putting runners at second and third. Shevey sacrificed, scoring Longo, and Benson singled to shortstop to drive in Reid, pushing the lead to 5-2.

Western Kentucky got a run back in the bottom of the eighth. L. Arroyos walked and D. Stewart reached on a fielding error by center fielder, allowing Arroyos to score unearned, trimming the margin to 5-3. The Hilltoppers threatened in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with a walk and a hit-by-pitch, but L. Arroyos grounded out to end the game.

Eastern Kentucky used a parade of relievers to hold Western Kentucky in check after the first inning. Cooper Pumphrey, Clay Cartledge, Johnny Bingham, Bradley Gagen, Addison Stockham and Gavin Faulkner each tossed a scoreless inning, combining for six strikeouts and limiting the Hilltoppers to just four hits after the opening frame. For Western Kentucky, starter Zach Lyles allowed one hit and struck out one over two scoreless innings. Dominic Monaco, Zach Serup and Aaron Robertson also contributed scoreless relief.

The game defied projections. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a 7-2 victory for Western Kentucky, and its ELO system gave the Hilltoppers an 82.40 percent probability of winning.