JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern Baseball (10-10, 5-5 MIAA) secured a decisive 9–3 victory over Washburn (8-13, 5-4 MIAA) Friday afternoon at Warren Turner Field.
Missouri Southern tallied 11 hits and capitalized on a four-run fifth inning to extend its lead.
Southern now holds an overall record of 10-10 and is 5-5 in MIAA play. Washburn has an overall record of 8-13 and is 5-4 in league action.
In the third inning,
Cy Darnell singled to left field and advanced to third on a subsequent single by
Aiden Hinkle.
Will Doherty's sacrifice fly to center field brought Darnell home, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead after three innings.
The fifth inning saw Southern extend its lead. Hinkle singled and later scored on a
Jacob Filip single to center field. An error allowed Doherty to score, making it 3-0.
Jake Leeker contributed with a two-RBI single, making the score 5-0 through five innings.
MSSU continued to apply pressure in the sixth inning.
Ethan Clark doubled and scored on a single by Hinkle. Doherty grounded out to shortstop, but it was enough to bring Hinkle home and extend the lead to 7-0 after six innings.
In the seventh,
Jason Lazo singled and scored on a fielder's choice by Clark. Darnell followed with an RBI single to center field, pushing the score to 9-1.
Washburn managed to score two runs in the ninth inning, but Southern's lead was secure, taking the series opener, 9-3.
Hinkle showcased his skills with two runs scored, three hits, and one RBI, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.
Doherty added to the scoring with one run scored and two RBI, providing crucial support at the plate.
Additionally, Lazo made his presence felt by scoring two runs and recording one hit, further bolstering the team's efforts.
On the mound,
Owen Schneider delivered an impressive performance, pitching 7 2/3 innings with only one earned run on two hits. He recorded seven strikeouts and issued only one walk, maintaining an impressive WHIP of 0.42.
Kyle Kaempf came on in relief, pitching 1 1/3 innings, but allowed two earned runs on three hits, with one walk and two strikeouts.
Due to forecasted inclement weather on Sunday (March 15), the Missouri Southern baseball series against Washburn has been adjusted. The Lions and Ichabods will now wrap the series with a Saturday doubleheader, beginning at 1 p.m., CT.
Arvest Bank is the season-presenting sponsor for Missouri Southern baseball.
