Hays, Kan. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team fell victim to the big inning as Fort Hays scored ten runs over the first four innings and went on to defeat the Lions 16-5 tonight in eight innings of the series opener between the two teams. 

Southern (22-25, 18-23 MIAA) scored five runs late, but it wasn't enough to stop the hot hitting Tigers (27-20, 24-17 MIAA) who pounded out 19 hits in the win. 

The Lions two hits each from Dallas Burke and Patrick Deao as Burke drove in a run and scored once. Harrison Gerber had a hit, two RBIs and a run, while Jesse Kinzey drove in one and scored once. 

Cody Griebling started for the Lions and gave up seven earned runs in three innings, whil Ryan Taylor and Michael Mudd pitched in relief. 

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow afternoon with a pair of seven-inning games, beginning at 2 pm.