Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern baseball team wrapped up their series with Washburn Sunday afternoon, playing the deciding game three. The long ball was a major factor for the Lions, recording six home runs in their 11-8 victory. With the win, MSSU improves to 26-6 (13-3 MIAA) on the year.
The first three Lion hitters reached in their first opportunity, as
Drew Townsend and
Henry Kusiak picked up base hits, then
Will Doherty walked. Despite the early threat, the Ichabods escaped the inning without giving up a run.
Missouri Southern broke things open in the second inning, taking a 4-0 lead on two, two-run home runs.
Wyatt Morgan led off the inning with a double to right-center, then
Garrett Rice put the Lions ahead 2-0 with a home run to center field. After a
Drew Townsend single,
Henry Kusiak hit the second two-run homer of the inning, giving the Lions a 4-0 lead heading into the third.
The Ichabods got on the board with two runs in the third, but the Lions responded right back as
Garrett Rice hit his second two-run shot of the day to make it 6-2. Washburn used a big fourth inning to even things up, but
Drew Townsend led off the fourth with a solo shot to regain the lead at 7-6.
After another run by the visitors to tie things up, Missouri Southern took the lead back with a three run sixth inning.
Drew Townsend led off with a double to left-center, coming around to score on a
Henry Kusiak single up the middle.
Will Doherty then cleared the bases with a line drive home run over the left field wall, making it 10-7 Lions.
Garrett Rice led off the bottom of the seventh with his third home run of the day, boosting Southern's lead to 11-7. Washburn scored once more, ending in an 11-8 final score.
Garrett Rice had an outstanding day at the plate, recording three of the team's six home runs to tie the program's single game record. Of his 3-4 performance, he finished with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Drew Townsend went 4-5 at the plate, hitting a double and a home run with 3 runs scored.
Henry Kusiak drove in 3 runs and scored 2 himself with a 3-5 day at the plate with a home run.
The Lions will be back at Warren Turner Field on Tuesday, March 26 for a single contest against Rogers State. That game is scheduled to start at 3:00pm. Following that midweek competition, the Lions will head to Maryville, Missouri for a three game series taking place on Thursday-Saturday against the Northwest Missouri Bearcats.
