The Swift Current Indians will need a second attempt to advance to the second round of the Western Major Baseball League playoffs after surrendering a four-run, eighth inning lead to the host Lethbridge Bulls to miss the sweep in best-of-five series.
The Indians scored three runs in the eighth inning to take a 6-2 lead but allowed five in the bottom of the inning to fall behind 8-6.
Larsen Kohler made a strong start with six innings of four-hit ball, allowing only two runs, while walking two and striking out six.
Mitch Ludtke suffered the loss after he allowed five runs on five hits in a 1-1/3-inning relief appearance.
The Indians broke things open with three runs on the eighth inning to take a 6-2 lead. Luke Barry tripled in Alex Mortensen and Will Thorp to earn some breathing room and Kirk Haviland brought Barry in too.
Jesse Sawyer quickly replied with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning as the Bulls posted six runs to make it 8-6 after eight innings.
Game four will be played Saturday in Lethbridge with game five, if necessary, slated for Sunday back in Swift Current.
