OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University baseball team got its final home series of the season off to a good start with a 6-4 victory over Western Michigan Friday. With their fourth victory in their past five games, the RedHawks improve to 35-13 overall and 14-7 in the Mid-American Conference. The Broncos fall to 16-28 overall and 9-11 in the MAC.

Miami had its offense rolling early as it scored three runs in the first two innings. In the bottom of the first, redshirt junior third baseman Jordan Stephens singled to center field to bring home junior shortstop Will Vogelgesang and put the RedHawks on the board. In the bottom of the second, an infield single by junior second baseman Landon Stephens scored redshirt freshman first baseman Reid Norberg. Jordan Stephens followed with an infield single of his own to score sophomore center fielder Parker Massman and make it 3-0.

It stayed that way for the next couple of innings as freshman pitcher Sam Bachman kept WMU without a hit over its first four innings. In the top of the fifth the Broncos were able to get a couple on via a hit batter and a walk, and then used a sac bunt and a couple of infield hits to eventually tie the score at three.

Senior pitcher Shane Smith came into the game in relief in the top of the sixth. The Broncos used a pair of hits to score one in the frame and take their first lead at 4-3. It would be their last run as Smith would shut them down the rest of the way.

After falling behind, Miami fought right back to score three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Vogelgesang led off and singled through the left side of the infield. On the next at bat, he stole both second and third base. That allowed junior catcher Cal Elvers to bring Vogelgesang home on an RBI groundout and tie the score at four.

Landon Stephens followed with a true hustle play, tripling to left center and sliding in under a tag attempt at third base. That allowed Jordan Stephens to score him on an RBI groundout and give the RedHawks a 5-4 lead. Freshman designated hitter Cole Andrews then singled to left center. Senior right fielder Mackay Williams doubled to left center allowing Andrews to come home all the way from first and complete the scoring on the night.

Jordan Stephens was 2-for-5 on the night with three RBIs. Landon Stephens was 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Vogelgesang and Norberg also had two hits each for Miami.

Smith earned the victory for the RedHawks, throwing the last 4.0 innings. He allowed one run on five hits, while striking out four.

Miami continues its series with Western Michigan on Saturday. Due to the threat of rain, the start time has been moved up to 2 p.m.