EMPORIA, Kan. — Missouri Southern baseball (25-12, 20-7 MIAA) secured a decisive 15-3 run-rule victory over Emporia State (27-11, 14-10 MIAA) Saturday at Trusler Sports Complex. MSSU tallied 15 hits, including two home runs, while scoring eight runs in the seventh inning to seal the win.
Southern now holds a record of 25-12 and is 20-7 in the MIAA after its fourth-straight victory. ESU has a record of 27-11 and stands 14-10 in the MIAA.
With the win, MSSU secured the series over Emporia State.
Emporia State had a brief momentum shift in the sixth inning with a two-run homer by Dominic Felix, narrowing the gap. However, Missouri Southern responded decisively in the seventh.
Andrew Young ignited the rally by reaching base on a hit-by-pitch and advancing to third on a stolen base combined with a throwing error. A sequence of clutch hits followed, highlighted by
Jake Leeker's three-run homer to left center, contributing to an eight-run inning that sealed the game.
Southern set the tone early with a combination of timely hitting and capitalizing on opportunities. In the first inning,
Will Doherty's RBI single and
Jason Lazo's RBI single to right center provided an initial cushion. Lazo continued to impact the game with a key RBI double in the fourth, extending the lead. Despite the Hornets' efforts to close the gap, Missouri Southern maintained control through consistent offensive pressure and effective use of free bases.
The Lions' ability to generate runs from various situations, including a productive out by Young in the second inning and aggressive base running, proved critical in sustaining their lead. The MSSU defense also played a role, executing a double play in the seventh inning to extinguish Emporia State's final threat.
Missouri Southern opened the scoring in the first inning.
Brayden Luikart was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
Will Doherty singled up the middle, driving in Luikart. Later,
Jason Lazo singled to right center, allowing
Jacob Filip to score. The inning concluded with Missouri Southern leading 2-1.
In the second inning, Leeker doubled to left center and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Young.
Aiden Hinkle doubled down the left field line, bringing Leeker home. After two innings, the Lions were ahead 3-1.
The fourth inning saw Filip homer to left field.
Blake Jones walked and scored on a double by Lazo.
Cy Darnell then singled to center, scoring Lazo. At the end of four innings, the Lions led 6-1.
Missouri Southern added another run in the fifth inning. Luikart walked and scored on a triple to right center by Doherty, increasing the lead to 7-1.
ESU responded in the sixth inning with a two-run homer by Felix, narrowing the gap to 7-3.
In the seventh inning, Southern erupted for eight runs. Young was hit by a pitch, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error. Luikart doubled to left, driving Young in. Doherty reached on a throwing error, and Luikart scored. Lazo doubled, bringing in Filip and Jones.
Jake Leeker capped the inning with a three-run homer to left center. Missouri Southern concluded the inning with a commanding 15-3 lead.
Jacob Filip recorded three runs and two RBI, including a home run, showcasing his impact at the plate.
Jason Lazo contributed significantly with four hits and four RBI while scoring twice.
Jake Leeker added two runs and three RBI, highlighted by a home run.
Brayden Luikart scored three runs, drew two walks, and added an RBI in the team's performance.
Michael Mulhollon (3-2) pitched six innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits, while striking out four and issuing five walks. He threw a total of 100 pitches, with 54 of them being strikes, and conceded a home run.
Luke Beverlin came in for relief, pitching an inning, giving up one hit and one walk, while striking out a batter.
MSSU next concludes its MIAA road series at Emporia State on Sunday. First pitch is 1 p.m., CT at Trusler Sports Complex.
Arvest Bank is the season-presenting sponsor for Missouri Southern baseball.
