PITTSBURG, Kan. — Missouri Southern baseball (29-14, 24-9 MIAA) fell to No. 8-ranked Pittsburg State (34-8, 21-8 MIAA) 10-3 Tuesday at Al Ortolani Field. MSSU managed two home runs in the contest, but a five-run fourth inning by PSU proved decisive.
Missouri Southern now has a record of 29-14 and holds a conference record of 24-9 in the MIAA. The Gorillas boast a record of 34-8 and stand with a league record of 21-8 in the MIAA.
Pittsburg State's decisive moment came in the third inning, where a combination of a throwing error and a three-run homer shifted the game's momentum. An error allowed extra runners, setting up Isaac Webb's grand slam that pushed the Gorillas lead to 5-1. This sequence was crucial, as it provided a cushion that Missouri Southern couldn't overcome.
The Lions had its opportunities, notably in the second inning with
Jason Lazo's solo home run to right center.
Aiden Hinkle also contributed with a solo shot in the fourth inning. However, the inability to capitalize on runners in scoring position limited further scoring chances.
Despite scattered hits and a solid early showing, Southern couldn't break through Pittsburg State's pitching, and defensive lapses proved costly. The Lions' final significant threat came in the seventh inning, with
Jacob Filip doubling and advancing to third, but subsequent outs halted the rally.
PSU took an early lead in the first inning with a solo home run by Dagen Brewer, putting the Gorillas up 1-0. Missouri Southern responded in the second inning when Lazo hit a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1.
The third inning saw the Gorillas pull ahead as Webb hit a grand slam, scoring four runs and making the score 5-1 in favor of Pittsburg State.
In the fourth inning, the Lions added two runs. Hinkle hit a solo home run, followed by
Brayden Luikart's RBI single that scored
Ethan Clark. However, Pittsburg State extended its lead significantly with five runs in the bottom of the inning due to a combination of hits and a balk, bringing the score to 10-3.
The remainder of the game saw no further scoring from either team, as PSU maintained its lead to secure a 10-3 victory over Missouri Southern.
Lazo hit a home run and recorded an RBI, contributing one of MSSU's two home runs. Hinkle also added to the score with a home run and an RBI, showcasing the team's power hitting. Filip collected two hits, including a double, and drew a walk to reach base multiple times. Luikart delivered two hits and drove in one run, enhancing the offensive effort.
Braden Ray started for the Lions, pitching three innings and allowing five earned runs on five hits, including two home runs, while striking out one and walking two batters.
Kyle Kaempf pitched an inning in relief, giving up two earned runs on two hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Lane Chapman provided stability from the bullpen, delivering four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, and striking out four while issuing two walks.
With the loss, Pittsburg State has grabbed the regular-season series, 2-1, on Missouri Southern in 2026. The Lions edged then fifth ranked PSU, 14-12, in game two of the series on April 7 at Warren Turner Field in Joplin, Missouri.
MSSU next steps out of MIAA play for a trio of games in Kirksville, Missouri, Friday and Saturday. The Lions will face Saginaw Valley State Friday and Saturday before wrapping the non-conference weekend against host Truman State in the Saturday night cap.
SCHEDULE UPDATE
The Lions' final regular-season MIAA series against Central Missouri at Crane Stadium/Tompkins Field in Warrensburg, Missouri, originally scheduled for May 1-3, has been altered. The series has been moved up a day and will now begin with the series opener at 6 p.m., CT on Thursday, April 30. Game two will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and the series finale will occur on Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. Saturday's contest will be Senior Day for UCM, and the Mule seniors will be honored in a postgame ceremony.
Arvest Bank is the season-presenting sponsor for Missouri Southern baseball.
