BOX SCORE

YPSILANTI, Mich.- Western Michigan (20-12-1, 5-6 MAC) couldn't hold onto an early three-run lead, and a late surge by Eastern Michigan powered the Eagles past the Broncos, 12-9, Saturday at Oestrike Stadium.

An up and down battle throughout, the lead changed hands between the two MAC West foes five times on the day. Western Michigan maintained a 9-8 advantage heading into the bottom of the eighth, but the Eagles rallied for a four runs to slip past the Broncos for the second straight day.

EMU (12-24, 9-2 MAC) took an early 2-0 lead, but Western Michigan was able to jump ahead in the third inning, scoring five runs on three hits. Grant Simotes singled, Zach Gentile reached on a throwing error and Joe Sheets was hit by a pitch to load the bases for WMU with two outs. Chris Lewis came through with a two-run double and Matthew Abro knocked his send home run in as many games, a three-run shot that gave the Broncos a 5-2 lead.

Neither team would score in the fourth and Eastern Michigan's bats came alive in the fifth, as the Eagles pounded out six runs on six hits to regain the lead at 8-5. WMU starter Billy Morrison gave up a pair of home runs in the frame, a three-run blast off the bat of Jeff Davis and a solo shot by Josh Ivan.

WMU cut into the deficit in the seventh when Simotes launched his first career home run, bringing the score to 8-6. The Broncos took a 9-8 lead their next trip to the plate, when Derek Mosher belted his second home run of the season, a three-run shot to right center.

Things unraveled for Western Michigan in the bottom of the eighth as EMU batted through the order and was able to plate four runs for a 12-9 win.

Mosher (0-1) took the loss on the mound, entering the game in the eighth. Starter Morrison had a rough day, allowing seven runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings pitched.

Abro and Simotes led WMU with three hits apiece, as the team totaled 10 all together. Held without a hit, Gentile had his team season-long 13 game hitting streak snapped.

WMU will look to avoid a series sweep tomorrow, taking on EMU at 1 p.m.