JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern baseball (20-11, 15-6 MIAA) secured a commanding 22-9 run-rule victory over Newman (4-28, 2-20 MIAA) Tuesday at Warren Turner Field. A six-run first inning and an eight-run sixth inning highlighted the offensive explosion for the Lions.
With the victory, MSSU moved to 20-11 in 2026 and 15-6 in conference action. The Lions are riding a four-game win streak and have posted run-rule wins in three of the last four games.
Missouri Southern delivered an assertive performance, particularly in the fifth and sixth innings, to secure a decisive win over the Jets. The pivotal moment came in the sixth inning, where
Blake Jones's grand slam to left center highlighted an eight-run explosion. This surge was further supported by opportunistic baserunning, as
Jason Lazo,
Will Potter, and
Jacob Filip each scored on wild pitches, extending the lead significantly.
Earlier, Southern established momentum with a productive first inning, initiated by
Ethan Clark's three-run double and capped by Lazo's two-run homer. The Lions consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities, with Filip contributing a sacrifice fly and Filip adding a double in the fifth inning to maintain the offensive pressure.
Though the Jets managed to close the gap in the early innings, MSSU's relentless offense and opportunistic playmaking, such as
Aiden Hinkle's pair of stolen bases, proved too much. The MSSU defensive unit also played a critical role, executing a key double play in the sixth inning to quash any potential rally from Newman.
Missouri Southern opened strong in the first inning with six runs. Filip was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing in the first run. Clark followed with a three-RBI double, scoring Filip, Jones, and
Will Doherty. Lazo capped the inning with a two-run homer, extending the Lions lead to 6-1. Newman managed one run in the top of the inning.
In the second inning, the Jets reduced the deficit by scoring two runs, thanks to an RBI single by Louis Coca and another by Colton Holland.
The third inning saw each side adding to their total. Collin Morris hit a solo home run for NU, while Lazo's RBI triple brought in Filip for Missouri Southern (7-4 MSSU).
Carter Andreozzi drove in two with a single to trim the lead to 7-6. Missouri Southern responded with
Brayden Luikart's RBI single to make the score 8-6.
Newman added three runs, led by Holland's two-RBI double to pull ahead 9-8.
In the fifth inning, the Lions exploded for six runs (14-9 MSSU), highlighted by
Cy Darnell's two-RBI single and Doherty's two-RBI single.
Missouri Southern secured the victory with an eight-run sixth inning, including a grand slam by Jones and runs scored on wild pitches. Newman was held scoreless in the top of the frame.
Missouri Southern closed out the game with a dominant seventh inning, striking out three Newman batters in order, sealing a decisive 22-9 win.
Jones delivered a powerful performance, hitting a grand slam and driving in four runs. Lazo showcased his hitting ability with a home run, a triple, and four RBI, while scoring four times.
Doherty contributed significantly with two hits and three RBI, crossing the plate twice himself. Filip added to the team's success by scoring four runs and collecting two RBI, including a double.
Keaton Anderson pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and six earned runs while striking out one and walking three. He faced 22 batters and threw 72 pitches, 43 of which were strikes. Despite allowing nine hits and two home runs, Anderson managed to pick off one runner.
Lane Chapman relieved Anderson, pitching 3 1/3 innings and giving up four hits and three earned runs while striking out five batters. Chapman faced 14 batters with 53 pitches, finding the strike zone 34 times, and recorded a win to improve to 1-1 on the season.
MSSU is now 2-0 against Newman in 2026. Tuesday's game was originally slated for 3 p.m., CT at Newman in Wichita, Kansas, but was moved to Joplin due to unplayable field conditions. The game was also moved up to a 1 p.m. start due to the threat of inclement weather in Joplin.
The Lions next host UCO in a three-game MIAA series beginning Thursday at Warren Turner Field. First pitch Thursday is 5 p.m., CT.
Arvest Bank is the season-presenting sponsor for Missouri Southern baseball.
