Edmond, Okla. -- The Missouri Southern Lions scored three runs in the top of the ninth to grab the lead, but the Central Oklahoma Bronchos rallied for two of their own in the bottom of the inning to defeat the Lions 6-5 Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 23) at Broncho Field in Edmond, Okla.

The Lions trailed 4-2 heading into the ninth when CJ Matthews began things with a single that was followed by a double from Zach Caldwell that pushed Matthews to third.  Matthews then scored on a wild pitch that made it a one-run game and advanced Caldwell to third.

With one out, Caldwell scored the tying run after Jacob Taylor reached second on an error that made it 4-4.  Shayne Hoke then doubled in the go-ahead run that scored Taylor.

Taylor Brown got the Bronchos rally started with a lead-off single in the bottom of the ninth and went to second on an error that allowed Tucker Brown to reach base. 

After a sacrifice bunt advanced the runners to second and third, Kevin Humphrey came on in relief of Carter Lance and struck out Cody Cole swinging for the second out of the inning. 

But Luke Yost, who gave up the three go-ahead runs in the top of the ninth, more than made up for it with a two-out, two-run walk off single that gave the Bronchos the victory.

Garrett Groom started for the Lions (2-5) and lasted three innings, with one run allowed on five hits. 

Caldwell, Hoke and Skyler Rawlins each had two hits for the Lions, with Hoke driving in two runs. 

Taylor Brown went 3-for-5 with an RBI for the Bronchos (3-3).

The Lions will now begin MIAA action with a three-game series against the current No. 6-ranked (Collegiate Baseball) and 4-0 Central Missouri  Mules.  The series begins with a single game at 4 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium.