FRANKLIN, Wis. – Milwaukee scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to improve to 9-7 in Horizon League play, upending league-leading Wright State, 10-7, on Friday afternoon.
 
Grant Ross walked with one out in the inning, followed by singles by Charlie Marion and Dylan O'Connell to load the bases. Dominic Kibler walked to force home the go-ahead run, and Bradyn Horn added two insurance runs with a single up the middle.
 
Camden Kuhnke entered the game in the top of the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs and delivered a key strikeout to keep the game tied and bring the Panthers to the plate. Kuhnke then set the Raiders down in order in the ninth to seal the series-opening win.
 
"Resiliency is a quality that this team has, which I really appreciate," said head coach Shaun Wegner. "We've got to find that next step of competitiveness, put our foot on the gas and finish it earlier."
 
Milwaukee outhit Wright State 12-9, including three hits from Marion and a pair from Joey Spence. Kibler jump-started Milwaukee's offense in the first inning with a three-run home run and added his fourth RBI with the walk in the eighth.
 
The Panthers built a 7-0 lead, scoring four in the first behind Kibler's blast to straightaway centerfield. Christian Holmes added RBIs in both the first and third innings, and Tate Schmidt added an RBI in the third to extend the lead.

O'Connell was aggressive on the basepaths in the fourth after drawing a walk. He stole second on a pickoff that sailed down the right field line, and a second throwing error allowed him to score Milwaukee's seventh run.
 
That lead supported starting pitcher Gavin Theis, who retired the first seven batters he faced before stranding two runners on base in both the third and fourth innings.
 
"He's just solid every time we put him out there," Wegner said. "He keeps us in the game or gives us the lead. We've got to find a way to finish it out for him so he can get the win."
 
Theis allowed a two-run home run to Hunter Warren in the fifth and two more runs in the sixth via an error and a sacrifice fly, but exited the game still in line for the win.
 
Both teams had opportunities in the seventh, stranding two runners apiece. In the eighth, Cam Gilkerson drew the Raiders even with a three-run home run down the right field line, erasing Milwaukee's seven-run advantage.
 
The Panther responded immediately, scoring three runs against three pitchers in the bottom of the eighth before Kuhnke shut the door in the ninth.
 
"Guys are finding ways to get the job done," Wegner said. "There's a big blow from Kibler, Christian executing a safety squeeze, we're just finding ways to tack runs. When you keep adding on, it puts pressure on the other team."
 
"Cam's special," Wegner added. "You've seen his velocity jump and he's really turning into a pitcher instead of just a thrower. When he gets the ball, we feel comfortable."
 
Theis allowed three earned runs and striking out six over six innings. Sotaro Ishida and Lucas Watson combined for the next five outs, before Kuhnke retired all four batters he faced to improve to 2-1.
 
Wright State starter Cam Allen allowed a season-high six runs after surrendering seven in his 2025 appearance at Franklin Field. Brody Papay tossed two hitless innings in relief, while Matthew Johnson and Michael Zielinski combined for two more hitless frames. Malachi Paplanus took the loss, allowing all three eighth-inning runs while recording just one out.

Milwaukee and Wright State will meet in game two of the series Saturday at 2:00 p.m., with Senior Day festivities scheduled prior to first pitch. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:40 p.m.