Jefferson City, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team took the series opener today at Lincoln University, beating the Blue Tigers 6-3 in a game that was originally scheduled to be in Joplin. 

The Lions (12-11, 8-9 MIAA) got on top first with a run in the third when a sacrifice fly from Michael McCoy scored Zack Steadman. Southern added two more in the sixth on a two-RBI single from Shaun Hoover scoring Tee Helsel and Sam Ryan. 

Lincoln (2-14, 2-11 MIAA) would add a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to cut the Lions' lead to one, but the Lions answered back with three more of their own in the inning on a three-run home run from Helsel, scoring Dallas Burke and Thomas Wilson.

The Blue Tigers added another run in the top of the ninth, but couldn't get any closer.

Helsel went 2-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs, while Hoover drove in a pair. McCoy drove in one, while Ryan was 2-5 with a run scored. 

Drew Noble started and went seven innings, striking out four and walking two, while allowing just two runs and five hits. He earned his fourth win of the season, while David Reese threw the final two innings in relief. 

The teams will get back at it tomorrow morning as the start time for the double-header has been pushed up to 10 am.