CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 7 seed Missouri Southern baseball (34-18) secured a decisive 12-0 victory over No. 6 seed Minnesota State – Mankato (40-16) Friday in Day 2 of the 2026 NCAA Division II Central Regional at RCB Bank Sports Complex. The game was highlighted by
Braden Ray's dominance on the mound, as he allowed only three hits in a complete-game shutout.
With the win, MSSU will now face No. 2 Seed Rogers State in an elimination game at the Regional Saturday. First pitch is 2 p.m., CT.
Southern secured a decisive 12-0 victory over Minnesota State – Mankato, powered by a strong offensive performance and a complete game shutout from pitcher
Braden Ray. The scoring began in the top of the first inning when
Aiden Hinkle hit a grand slam, bringing home
Brayden Luikart,
Blake Jones, and
Will Doherty after a throwing error and a walk loaded the bases. The inning concluded with MSSU leading 4-0.
In the second inning,
Brayden Luikart doubled to center field, driving in
Andrew Young to extend the lead. The inning ended with Missouri Southern up 5-0.
The third inning saw the Lions add two more runs.
Will Doherty scored on a single by
Jason Lazo, and
Ethan Clark's single brought Lazo home, pushing the score to 7-0.
A quiet fourth and fifth innings kept the score unchanged until the sixth, when Southern capitalized on a pitching change. A sacrifice fly by
Aiden Hinkle scored
Andrew Young, and
Jacob Filip's single, coupled with a fielding error, allowed three more runs to score, making it 11-0.
Andrew Young scored on a wild pitch in the seventh inning, furthering the Lion's lead to 12-0. The final score remained 12-0, as
Braden Ray's complete game performance ensured the Mavericks were held scoreless throughout.
Braden Ray delivered a dominant performance for Missouri Southern, pitching a complete game shutout against Minnesota State – Mankato. Ray allowed just three hits and one walk over 9 innings, striking out two batters. He threw 104 pitches, with 71 of them being strikes, maintaining control throughout the game. This outing marked his third win of the season, underscoring his pivotal role in the team's success.
Andrew Young scored three runs and stole two bases, contributing significantly to the offensive effort.
Aiden Hinkle delivered a powerful performance with one home run and five RBIs.
Brayden Luikart added two hits, including a double, and scored twice in the game.
With the win, MSSU will now face No. 2 Seed Rogers State in an elimination game at the Regional Saturday. First pitch is 2 p.m., CT.
While Missouri Southern earned a dominant win on the field Friday, the Lions also picked up postseason recognition off the field as the NCBWA announced its All-Central Region teams.
Brayden Luikart earned First Team honors in the outfield, while
Will Doherty was named Second Team at third base and
Owen Schneider collected Second Team honors as a starting pitcher.
NCBWA All-Central Region Team Members
Brayden Luikart – First Team Outfielder
Will Doherty – Second Team Third Baseman
Owen Schneider – Second Team Starting Pitcher
Arvest Bank is the season-presenting sponsor for Missouri Southern baseball.
