Kentucky Wesleyan scored seven runs combined in the sixth and seventh innings on Friday (May 8) afternoon, as the No. RV Ashland University baseball team finished 2026 Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament play with an 8-7 loss.
 
The Eagles are 37-16, and will await the 2026 NCAA Division II selection show on NCAA.com at 10 p.m. on Sunday (May 10).
 
With two outs in the top of the first inning, graduate center fielder Chris Franks launched his eighth home run of the spring, a two-run shot, to once again give the Eagles an early lead in a Great Midwest Tournament game.
 
Then, in the top of the second, graduate designated hitter Collin Overholt and sophomore first baseman Gage Weaver each walked with the bases loaded, upping Ashland's early lead to 4-0.
 
After KWC got on the board with a run in the bottom of the second, the Eagles returned serve with two in the top of the third thanks to a two-run homer from freshman shortstop Max Albert, his fourth of the season.
 
Ashland then extended its advantage to 7-1 following a solo home run from senior left fielder Billy Howard, his third, in the fifth.
 
The Panthers scored again in the sixth, plating four runs for a 7-5 score. Kentucky Wesleyan then took an 8-7 lead with three more tallies in the seventh.
 
Going 2-for-4 each were sophomore right fielder Sean Krueckeberg, Howard (two runs scored, RBI), junior catcher Nate King (run scored), and Albert (two runs scored, two RBIs).
 
Freshman right-handed pitcher Ben Sibert (3-1) allowed two hits, three runs and a walk and a third of an inning.