EMPORIA, Kan. — Missouri Southern State (23-12, 18-7 MIAA) secured a 3-1 victory over Emporia State (27-9, 14-8 MIAA) on Friday at Turnbull Field. Missouri Southern capitalized on a two-run eighth inning to clinch the win.
Missouri Southern and Emporia were locked in a tight contest that saw both teams score in the third inning.
Andrew Young singled up the middle and later scored on a double down the left field line by
Brayden Luikart, tying the game at 1-1. Emporia responded with a ground out RBI to even the score at 1-1 after three innings.
The eighth inning proved decisive for Missouri Southern. Young doubled to left center and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Luikart then singled up the middle, bringing home Young.
Will Doherty followed with an RBI single, scoring Luikart and extending the lead. The Lions took a 3-1 advantage through eight innings.
MSSU held Emporia in the final inning, securing a 3-1 victory.
Owen Schneider delivered a strong performance on the mound for Southern, pitching 8 innings and allowing only 2 hits and 1 earned run. He struck out 4 batters and issued 2 walks while throwing 98 pitches, 55 of which were strikes.
Marcus Young came in as relief, pitching 1 inning, allowing 1 hit, and striking out 2 batters with 13 strikes out of 20 pitches. Both pitchers limited Emporia to minimal scoring opportunities, contributing significantly to the team's overall effort.
Brayden Luikart recorded two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs while also stealing a base.
Andrew Young contributed significantly with three hits, two runs, and two stolen bases. On the mound,
Owen Schneider pitched eight strong innings, striking out four batters and allowing only one earned run.
