Hiawatha’s comeback fell just short on Monday afternoon in an 11-7 road victory for Nemaha Central.

The first five total runs from both teams were unearned runs with four of them belonging to the Thunder. The Redhawks’ lone run came on a passed ball and Nemaha Central scored their first run on a passed ball and their next three on errors.

Hiawatha’s defense struggled mightily with four total errors including three in the first two innings and an additional two passed balls.

The first RBI of the ballgame came in the third inning with a sac fly to centerfield by Thunder sophomore second baseman Evan Olberding followed by an RBI single from senior designated hitter Jaden Thomas.

Hiawatha responded with one run via an RBI single by senior third baseman Xavier Oldham.

The Thunder would score five more runs including a solo home run from senior starting pitcher Brayden Uphaus to go up 11-3 going into the bottom of the seventh.

The first two batters were retired on groundouts, but the Hiawatha bats would then collectively awaken for the first time in the ballgame.

Junior starting pitcher Cooper Jacobsen drove in a run with an RBI single followed by an RBI double by senior shortstop Ashton Rockey. Junior second baseman Tyler Stevens would get the first multiple-RBI base hit of the game with a two-RBI single to make it 11-7.

After a pitching change for Nemaha Central, the next batter would strikeout, ending the game.

Uphaus was dominant in his start going five innings deep allowing just two walks, two hits and one earned run with seven strikeouts. His outing was good enough to secure a win, making him 5-0 this season.

He helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two runs. Senior right fielder Sam Nordhus went 2-for-4 with a triple, a double, three runs and a stolen base. Thomas also had a multi-hit day going 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, an RBI, a run and two steals.

For Hiawatha, Rockey went 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and three runs. Oldham went 3-for-3 with all his hits being one-baggers. He also scored a run and had three steals with his already mentioned RBI.

Up next for Nemaha Central is a home doubleheader against Holton on Thursday. Hiawatha goes on the road to face Perry-Lecompton on Thursday.