Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Junior designated hitter Dallas Schramm capped a five-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning with a walk-off single to right center as Nebraska-Kearney beat second-ranked Central Missouri, 11-10, Saturday evening at Memorial Field.

With the unlikely comeback, the Lopers improve to 8-13 stop while UCM drops to 16-5 (8-3). Go HERE for the game winner.

UNK trailed 5-0 after the top of the first inning but the bullpen limited the Mules to two runs over the final five innings. The Lopers scored two in the first, fourth and sixth innings to hang around.

Out hitting UCM 16-14, UNK started its half of the ninth with a single and walk. That prompted the Mules to bring in closer Andy Muehlberger, who began the day with a 1-0 record, three saves and a 1.69 ERA.

There wasn't going to be a fourth save as the senior right hander threw 13 balls among 16 pitches. By the time he left, the score was 10-9, the bases were full and there were no outs.

While junior right hander Charlie Skantze managed to get an infield popup, he plunked junior shortstop Scott Platt (Longmont, Colo.) to tie the game. That brought up UNK's best hitter in Schramm (Millard North).

The third Loper to reach a full count in the inning, Schramm (4 for 6, four RBI's) laced a sharp single to bring home pinch runner Calvin Rudolph (Millard South). Rudolph came in for hobbled pinch hitter Ricky Trammel (Kansas City, Mo.), who reached via an infield error.

Iowa senior right hander Weston Glienke moved to 2-0 by working a scoreless ninth. The other relievers to have solid outings were juniors Cameron Burkey (McCook), Thomas Ruwe (Arlington) and Matt Testa (Joliet, Ill.).

Besides Schramm, junior left fielder and leadoff hitter Jacob Richardson (Goddard, Kan.) went 3 for 4 with three runs and a two-run homer in the fourth. Next, senior catcher Kirk McLeod (Detroit Lakes, Minn.) went 2 for 4 with a run and RBI and also threw out pinch runner Mason Janvrin trying to steal third in the top of the ninth.

Leaving seven runners on base, UCM saw its first five hitters go a combined 11 for 22 with seven runs scored and seven RBI's. That large group included leadoff hitter Justin Graff-Rowe (3 for 5, two RBI's).

The series finale will be Sunday at 1:00 p.m.