Millikin University’s Big Blue baseball team defeated Augustana College 5-4 on April 15, with Leyton Ivers delivering a walk-off hit in the final inning.
The close game saw both teams exchanging leads, keeping fans engaged until the last play. The win highlights Millikin’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure.
Joey Ross started as pitcher for Millikin, pitching four innings with three strikeouts, five hits allowed, and two runs given up. Augustana scored twice in the first inning before Millikin responded with three runs. Carder Reich drove in Ivers for the first run, followed by Mick Niebrugge bringing home Reich and Pete Britton to take a 3–2 lead.
Gavin Houchins took over pitching duties in the fifth inning for Millikin, going four innings while allowing two runs and six hits with three strikeouts. In the seventh inning, Augustana tied the game but was prevented from taking the lead when Ivers threw out a runner at home plate after fielding a ground ball from centerfield.
Niebrugge later scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh to put Millikin ahead again at 4-3. The Vikings tied it once more in the eighth inning before strong defensive plays—including a rundown between third base and home—kept things even heading into the ninth.
Nolan Rieman pitched for Millikin in the ninth inning, facing three batters and striking out one. Easton Steck reached base on an error before Decker walked to keep hopes alive. Ivers then lined his decisive hit to left field to bring Steck home for victory.
Offensively, Mick Niebrugge went 1-for-2 with two runs batted in while Leyton Ivers went 2-for-5 including his game-winning single. Several other players contributed hits throughout the contest.
Looking ahead, Millikin will travel to face Elmhurst this Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
