By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
JOPLIN, Mo. – Fort Hays State baseball dropped the series opener to No. 19 ranked Missouri Southern on Friday (March 15), by a score of 7-1. The Tigers dipped to 2-16 overall and 2-8 in MIAA play, while the Lions improved to 16-6 overall and 8-2 in conference action.
Hits were hard to come by for the Tigers as they were only able to push across five total base knocks on the afternoon. The Tigers fell behind early to the Lions with a 4-0 deficit right out of the gate after one inning of play. The Tigers were shutdown offensively as Lions starter, Zach Parish, produced 15 strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work. MSSU earned another run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly to left field, extending their lead to 5-0.
FHSU was able to plate a run in the seventh frame when Cody Starkel led the inning off with an infield single to first. Marcus McDaniel mirrored that effort with a single of his own, pushing Starkel to second base. Tyler Olson then reached base on a fielder’s choice and Starkel was able to cross home after a throwing error from the pitcher, cutting the deficit to four runs. Missouri Southern tacked on one run in each of the final two innings.
Tiger starter Jake Taylor was charged with the loss, allowing five earned runs on four hits and walking three Lion batters in three innings, adding in three strikeouts. Ryan Brown tossed five innings in relief, allowing one run on four hits and added a punchout. Tanner Smith came on for the ninth and allowed one run on two hits, including one strikeout.
FHSU will be back in action for game two of the conference series on Saturday (March 16) in Joplin, Mo. First pitch is schedule for 1 p.m. from Turner Field.