Four-Run Ninth Lifts UW

NCAA baseball

Washington scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night, pulling out a 5-4 victory over host Mississippi State in a winners bracket game at the NCAA Mideast Regional.

Ryan Soules delivered an RBI double to left-center field off NCAA saves leader Van Johnson to cap the game-winning rally for the Huskies (45-18).

Mississippi State (42-19) jumped out to a 4-0 run in the top of the first inning, but didn’t score again against Huskies starter Jeff Heaverlo.

Heaverlo (7-4) went the distance, allowing only five hits through the final eight innings. He struck out six and walked one.

Washington’s Jim Na singled and pinch-hitter Pete Orgill walked to start the ninth inning and chase State starter Chris Reinike.

Johnson (5-3) struck out the first man he faced, but consecutive infield singles, the second by Kyle Woods, produced a run. Kevin Miller then hit a two-run single before Soules doubled to win the game.

Washington advanced to play top-seeded Georgia Tech, which has not allowed a run in two games, in a noon CDT game today. The winner moves into Sunday’s championship round, and the loser faces an elimination game tonight.

Washington 5, Mississippi St. 4

Miss. State 400 000 000 - 4 9 3

Washington 000 000 014 - 5 12 2

Reinike, Johnson (9) and Patton. Heaverlo and Bundy. W-Heaverlo, 7-4. L-Johnson, 5-3.