Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern baseball team wrapped up their series with Newman on Sunday. An 11-9 victory in game three gave the Lions a sweep over the Jets, improving their record to 17-4 (5-1 MIAA) on the year.
The Lions got on the board first, thanks to a
Henry Kusiak bomb to left field, his third of the series. With that home run, he tied the Missouri Southern all-time hits record at 257 hits. Newman responded with 3 runs in the second and another in the third to take a 4-1 lead after three played.
Missouri Southern used a big fourth inning to tie things at 4-4.
Wyatt Morgan got things going with a home run to right-center. A few batters later,
Nate Mieszkowski drove in
Garrett Rice with a double to left-center. The game was then tied up with a historical hit to left, as
Henry Kusiak recorded an RBI single for his 258th career hit, setting the Missouri Southern all-time record. The previous record was set in the 1992 season.
Newman used a big sixth inning to take a 7-4 lead, but the Lions matched that in the seventh thanks to a two-run shot to right by
Treghan Parker, and
Wyatt Morgan scoring on a ground out.
Kyle Moore and the Lion defense retired the Jets in order in the top of the eighth. In the bottom of the inning,
Treghan Parker nearly sent one over the center field wall, legging out a two-run triple to give the Lions the lead once again.
Wyatt Morgan followed with a single to drive him in, and
Nate Mieszkowski later hit a sacrifice fly to score Morgan. Newman plated a pair in the ninth, making the final score 11-9 in favor of Missouri Southern.
Henry Kusiak became the program's all-time hits leader, recording a pair of hits for his 257th and 258th collegiate hits. He finished 2-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.
Treghan Parker also went 2-4, recording a triple and home run with 4 RBI and 2 runs scored.
Wyatt Morgan was a triple shy of the cycle, finishing 3-4 with a double and home run, 2 RBI, and 3 runs scored.
Kyle Moore was credited with the win, and
Brandon Overman came in and got the save.
The Lions will remain at home for their next contest, hosting the Emporia State Hornets in another three game series. Game one is scheduled for 3:00pm on Friday, March 8. First pitch for games two and three will be at 1:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
