FORT SMITH, Ark. — Missouri Southern baseball (17-11, 12-6 MIAA) secured a commanding 18–3 victory over Arkansas Fort Smith (4-23, 3-15 MIAA) on Friday at Crowder Field.
Missouri Southern scored 10 runs in the first inning, setting the tone for the lopsided win.
The decisive moment for Missouri Southern came in the explosive first inning, setting the tone with a 10-run surge.
Aiden Hinkle and
Brayden Luikart drew walks to load the bases, followed by
Will Doherty's RBI single to left field.
Jacob Filip also singled to continue the rally, and
Cy Darnell's bases-loaded walk added another run.
Ethan Clark was hit by a pitch, earning another RBI, before
Jake Leeker capped the inning with a grand slam to right field.
Throughout the game, Missouri Southern capitalized on free bases and timely hitting to maintain their lead. In the second inning, a wild pitch advanced
Jason Lazo to scoring position, setting up Hinkle's RBI double. Later, Doherty delivered an RBI single, increasing the lead. Consistent pressure from hitters like Leeker with a triple in the fifth inning ensured UAFS could not mount a comeback. In the second inning, Southern added two more runs.
Aiden Hinkle doubled to score
Jason Lazo, and later scored himself on a single by Doherty. The score advanced to 12–0. Southern continued to build their lead in the third inning.
Jacob Filip scored on a sacrifice fly by Lazo, bringing the score to 13–0.
Arkansas Fort Smith responded in the fourth inning, scoring two runs. A fielding error allowed Quinton Borders and JJ Young to score, reducing the deficit to 13–2. In the fifth inning, Missouri Southern extended their lead.
Will Potter, pinch-hitting, doubled home a run, and Leeker tripled for another RBI. Hinkle and Doherty each added RBIs, setting the score at 17–2. The sixth inning saw each team add a run.
Cy Darnell scored for Southern on a single by Lazo. UAFS scored with a sacrifice fly from Spencer Bass, making it 18–3. Missouri Southern maintained control through the seventh and eighth innings, preserving the score. The game concluded with Missouri Southern securing an 18–3 victory over Arkansas Fort Smith.
Owen Schneider delivered a strong performance, pitching 5 innings, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 7 batters. He maintained control with a WHIP of 0.80 and allowed just 1 earned run, though he issued 3 walks and recorded a balk.
Kaylor Darnell and
Braden Ray each contributed an inning in relief, with Darnell allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and 2 walks, while Ray struck out 2 in a hitless inning. The pitching staff collectively demonstrated solid command, limiting Arkansas Fort Smith to minimal offensive opportunities.
Aiden Hinkle contributed significantly by scoring four runs and collecting three hits, including a double, while driving in two runs.
Will Doherty posted three hits and drove in three runs, demonstrating a strong presence at the plate.
Jake Leeker powered the offense with a home run and a triple, racking up five RBIs and scoring twice.
Cy Darnell added two RBIs and crossed the plate twice, also drawing two walks to aid the attack.
MSSU next continues the weekend series at UAFS Saturday and Sunday. Game times are both set for 1 p.m., CT.
Following the series, Missouri Southern will shift its focus to a midweek matchup against Newman on Tuesday, March 31, with a change in venue. The game has been moved to Warren Turner Field in Joplin, giving the Lions a return to their home field for the MIAA conference contest.
