KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Clutch hitting and a solid day out of the bullpen by sophomore Jacob Piechota helped the Western Michigan baseball team to a 7-4 win in game two over Eastern Michigan Saturday afternoon at Hyames Field.

EMU came back to tie game at 4-4 in the top of the eighth inning, but the Broncos hit when it mattered most and put up three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. 

The Broncos improve to 11-24 overall and 4-7 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) while the Eagles drop to 13-22 and 5-6 in the MAC. The Broncos have a chance to earn their first MAC sweep since the 2015 season where they swept Buffalo in a three-game series from April 24 through April 26.

The Eagles scored two unanswered runs to open the game with a run in each the first and second inning. The Broncos were able to get one run back in the bottom of the third inning and take a lead in the fourth inning with a pair of runs. In the third inning, freshman Connor Smith led things off with a single to right center field and Nick Vogelmeier wore the next pitch in the middle of his back to put runners on first and second base. After a Jesse Forestell sacrifice bunt, sophomore Evan Nelson drew a walk to load the bases. For the third time this weekend, a wild pitch brought in a run for WMU to make it 2-1 EMU.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, freshman Nate Grys led it off with a single to left center and senior Mitchell Ho ripped a single up the middle that ricocheted off the pitcher's leg to put runners on first and second. Smith, the next batter, came up and hit a single to the hole between first and second base and beat it out. The second baseman tried to make a throw but it ended up out of play along the first base line and Grys came into to score to tie it at 2-2. Vogelmeier hit an RBI groundout to shortstop in the next at-bat to put the Broncos up 3-2 and take advantage of the Eagle error.

The Broncos added on to the lead with run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Forestell hit a single down the right field line and senior Hunter Prince came up with a clutch RBI double down the left field line to make it 4-2 WMU.

Piechota went 3.0 innings in relief without giving up a hit, but the Eagles got to him in the top of the eighth inning with a pair of runs off a two-run double to right center field.

The Broncos didn't wait long to get the lead back as they struck for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning with a big two-run double by Miller. In the inning, Tanner Allison led it off with a double to center field as the fielder went back on the ball and it slipped out of his glove at the last second while he was in a full sprint back towards the wall. Ho was hit by the next pitch and Smith laid down a perfect bunt single to load the bases. Vogelmeier came to the plate and walked on four straight pitches to earn an easy RBI and give WMU a 5-4 lead. After a fielder's choice groundout, Miller delivered a huge two-run double to the gap in right center field to make it 7-4 Broncos.

Piechota's line read 5.0 innings, four hits, two runs and two walks with two strikeouts as he earned his team-leading fifth win of the season. Freshman Jack Szott started the game and went 4.0 innings allowing one earned run on three hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

Smith went 3-for-4 with two runs, making it his third game this season with three hits. Miller went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a double while Allison finished 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Prince went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI and Vogelmeier finished with two RBI and a run.

The Broncos will try for the sweep in game three on Sunday, April 24 at Hyames Field with game time scheduled for 1 p.m. Senior Derek Schneider is scheduled to start on the mound for WMU. Follow the Broncos on Twitter @WMUBaseball for all updates about the team!