JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern baseball (12-10, 7-5 MIAA) completed the series sweep of Washburn (8-15, 5-6 MIAA) with a pair of wins over Saturday's doubleheader at Warren Turner Field.
The Lions outlasted the Ichabods, 17-5, in game one of the Saturday doubleheader before earning the series sweep with a 7-5 decision in the finale.
MSSU improves to 12-10 in 2026 and 7-5 in MIAA action.
Missouri Southern 17, Washburn 15
Missouri Southern edged out Washburn in a high-scoring affair, securing a 17–15 victory in game one of Saturday's doubleheader at Warren Turner Field.
The Lions benefited from a five-run fifth inning and a total of six doubles, overpowering Washburn's 16-hit performance.
Washburn capitalized on a throwing error to score two unearned runs in the top of the first inning, highlighted by Levi Risenhoover's two-RBI double. MSSU went scoreless in the bottom half. The score stood at 2–0 in favor of Washburn after the first inning.
In the second inning, Missouri Southern responded decisively. After loading the bases with three hit-by-pitches,
Cy Darnell hit a two-RBI single, and
Brayden Luikart followed with a ground-rule double that brought in two more runs. Washburn managed to add one unearned run in its half, bringing the score to 4–3 in favor of the Lions through two innings.
Blake Jones homered for Southern in the third inning, adding another run to their tally. However, Washburn's Brooks Richardson hit a two-run homer in the top half to tie the game at 5–5 through three innings.
Washburn took the lead in the fourth with a three-run homer by Brandt Beeby. MSSU narrowed the gap with two runs driven in by
Will Doherty's single, moving the score to 8–7, Washburn, after four innings.
In the fifth inning, the Lions surged ahead with a five-run rally. The scoring was initiated by Jones' RBI double, followed by Darnell's RBI single and a fielder's choice that brought in another run. Luikart's RBI single and a stolen base that resulted in an additional run capped the inning. Washburn added three unearned runs in its half, making it 12–11 in favor of Missouri Southern after five innings.
The sixth inning saw both teams adding to their scores. The Lions' Jones and
Jake Leeker each contributed an RBI, while Washburn scored two runs, tightening the game to 14–13, Southern, going into the seventh inning.
The seventh inning was quiet for both teams, maintaining the score at 14–13, the Lions.
MSSU extended its lead in the eighth inning when Leeker hit a three-RBI double. Washburn could not answer back, leaving the score at 17–13, Southern, after eight innings.
In the ninth, Washburn attempted a comeback with two runs scored off a double and a single. However, Missouri Southern held on to secure a 17–15 victory over Washburn.
Michael Mulhollon started the game for the Lions, pitching 3 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits, and striking out seven batters.
Jackson Gamble relieved Mulhollon, pitching 1 1/3 innings and giving up four runs, including two home runs, with one walk and two strikeouts.
Caden Carter made a brief appearance, recording just one out while surrendering two runs on one hit and two walks.
Carter Stover pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits with four strikeouts, while
Marcus Young closed out the game, securing a save after facing two batters and recording one out without allowing a hit.
Jones stood out by scoring five runs and recording three hits, including a home run and two doubles, while also collecting three RBI. Luikart added three hits and three RBI, including two doubles and a stolen base. Darnell contributed with two hits and three RBI, scoring twice. Leeker recorded three RBI with a double among his hits and scored two runs.
Missouri Southern 7, Washburn 5
Missouri Southern secured a 7-5 victory over Washburn in the doubleheader finale Saturday at Warren Turner Field. The Lions launched four home runs, including a pivotal three-run fourth inning, to maintain the lead throughout the game.
MSSU took an early lead with a power display in the bottom of the first inning.
Brayden Luikart,
Will Doherty, and
Blake Jones each homered, contributing to a 3-0 advantage.
Washburn responded in the second inning when Trenton Barry tripled to right center, driving in three runs to tie the game at 3-3.
In the fourth inning, MSSU regained its lead.
Jason Lazo and Luikart each drove in a run with a homer and a single, respectively, while
Aiden Hinkle added another RBI single, bringing the score to 6-4.
MSSU added another run in the sixth inning.
Will Potter scored on
Cy Darnell's RBI single, extending the lead to 7-4.
Washburn managed to score once more in the ninth inning with Levi Risenhoover's RBI single, but the Lions secured a 7-5 victory.
Walker Sweet pitched five innings for Missouri Southern, allowing four earned runs on eight hits, including a home run, while striking out four and walking two. His performance was marked by a total of 94 pitches, 57 of which were strikes, resulting in a WHIP of 2.00.
Luke Beverlin contributed three innings of relief, surrendering an earned run on two hits with two walks and a strikeout, maintaining a WHIP of 1.33.
Marcus Young secured the save by facing five batters in the final inning, giving up two hits and striking out one, with a WHIP of 2.00.
Luikart contributed significantly with two hits, two RBI, and a home run, while also stealing two bases. Hinkle showcased his speed on the base paths, stealing two bases and scoring a run. Doherty added power to the lineup with a home run, contributing one hit and one RBI. Jones also went deep with a home run, complementing his performance with two hits and one RBI.
MSSU next hosts Newman in midweek play on Tuesday, March 17. First pitch is 3 p.m., CT at Warren Turner Field.
Arvest Bank is the season-presenting sponsor for Missouri Southern baseball.
