ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Missouri Southern Baseball (1-1) fell to Henderson State (2-0) 7-4 Friday at Clyde Berry Field to open the 2026 HSU Invitational.
Despite striking out 17 batters, Missouri Southern allowed seven runs over two decisive innings, with Henderson State hitting two home runs.
MSSU opened the scoring in the first inning Friday against Henderson State.
Brayden Luikart drew a walk and later scored on a throwing error, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead.
In the second inning,
Blake Jones doubled and advanced to third on a groundout.
Aiden Hinkle grounded out to the pitcher, allowing Jones to score and extend the Lions' lead to 2-0.
In the fifth inning, Luikart singled and advanced to second on a groundout.
Jacob Filip then singled to left field, driving in Luikart to make it 3-0. However, HSU responded in the bottom of the inning with a grand slam by Nate Moore, taking a 4-3 lead.
Southern tied the game in the seventh inning. Luikart reached on a fielder's choice and advanced on a passed ball. Filip walked, and
Jason Lazo singled to right field, bringing home Luikart. However, the Reddies answered with a three-run homer by Tanner Ross in the bottom of the seventh, regaining the lead at 7-4.
In the eighth and ninth innings, MSSU was unable to score, with Henderson State holding on for the 7-4 victory.
Walker Sweet led the Southern pitching staff with a strong performance, striking out 10 batters over five innings while allowing three runs on two hits.
Keaton Anderson contributed 0.2 innings of scoreless relief, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Marcus Young pitched effectively for 0.1 inning, retiring the only batter he faced with a strikeout.
Jackson Gamble closed the game with an inning of scoreless pitching, striking out three and allowing one hit.
Kyle Kaempf and
Sebastian Coleman faced challenges, with Kaempf surrendering two runs on a hit in 0.2 innings and Coleman allowing a run without giving up a hit in 0.1 inning.
Blake Jones finished with two hits (2-for-4), including a double, and scored a run. Luikart crossed the plate three times and stole one base, showcasing his speed.
Jake Johnson also registered a double and a walk.
MSSU next continues the 2026 HSU Invitational with a matchup against Harding on Saturday. First pitch is 1:30 p.m., CT from Clyde Berry Field.
