JOPLIN, Mo. — The Missouri Southern Lions (4-4) secured an 8-2 victory over the McKendree Bearcats (2-4) on Sunday at Warren Turner Field. The Missouri Southern State University built its lead with a three-run rally in the third inning, contributing to its total of 11 hits.
Missouri Southern secured a decisive 8-2 victory over McKendree. In the second inning, Missouri Southern capitalized on a pair of passed balls and an error to score two unearned runs, taking a 2-1 lead. The home team extended its advantage in the third inning by adding three runs.
Will Doherty's leadoff single set the stage, and with bases loaded,
Jacob Filip and
Ethan Clark each advanced, while
Jake Johnson's walk brought in a run. Clark scored on
Cy Darnell's single, and
Jacob Filip crossed home plate on a double play, pushing the lead to 5-1 after three innings.
In the fourth inning, Doherty doubled and was driven in by Clark's single, increasing the lead to 6-1. The Lions maintained the offensive pressure in the fifth with Johnson scoring on a single by
Will Potter, furthering the lead to 7-1. The sixth inning saw another run added after a series of walks and a single by Darnell loaded the bases, resulting in Filip scoring on a walk, making it 8-1.
McKendree managed to score a run in the eighth inning after P. Bittle walked and advanced to third on wild pitches, eventually scoring on a single by H. Sherman. However, Southern closed out the game without further incident in the ninth, securing the 8-2 win over McKendree.
Carter Stover started for MSSU, pitching 4 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and one run, while striking out two and walking one.
Colin Muldoon followed with 1 1/3 innings, yielding no hits and one walk, inducing three groundouts including a double play.
Lane Chapman contributed a scoreless inning, striking out one and allowing no hits, while
Sebastian Coleman, despite recording one strikeout, allowed one earned run over 2/3 of an inning.
Kaylor Darnell and
Gabe Perry faced challenges, with Darnell conceding two hits in 1/3 of an inning, and Perry walking one over 2/3 of an inning without allowing a hit.
Caden Carter closed out with a brief appearance, recording one out on two pitches.
Cy Darnell recorded four hits and one RBI, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Doherty added two runs and two hits, including a double, showcasing a strong performance at the plate. Clark scored one run and tallied one hit while also driving in a run and stealing a base. Stover pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing no earned runs, and striking out two batters to secure the win.
The Lions return to action on Monday, February 16, hosting Minnesota State University, Mankato at 12 p.m. at Warren Turner Field, closing out the 2026 Lion Classic as Southern looks to finish the weekend strong on its home field.
