By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Pittsburg State on Saturday (May 4), 12-3. The Tigers moved to 3-39 overall and 2-30 in MIAA play, while the Gorillas moved to 27-19 on the season and 19-13 in conference action.
FHSU rebounded nicely from the shutout on Friday (May 3), with a three-run, eight-hit performance in the second game of the weekend series. Taylan Mullins-Ohm and Bryce Baumwart produced multiple base knocks in the contest. Ryan Grasser, Tyler Olson, Cody Starkel and Dawson Sramek collected a hit to round out the rest of the Tiger offense.
Pittsburg State started the game off with a five-run, four-hit first inning. The Tigers bounced back with three-consecutive hits from Grasser, Mullins-Ohm and Olson, plating Grasser for the first FHSU run in the contest.
FHSU was able to plate another run in the sixth frame when Grasser came around to score after Mullins-Ohm singled on a perfectly placed bunt down the third base line and a fielder’s choice, allowing Olson to reach first. The Tigers were able to get a third run in the home half of the ninth inning when Cody Starkel lifted his first home run of the season on a drive over the left field wall.
Tiger starter Tanner Smith was charged with the loss after allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits in 5.1 innings of work. Smith walked five Gorillas and earned three strikeouts. Ryan Brown was the first Tiger reliever out of the bullpen and tossed 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing three hits, walking one batter and punching out two Gorillas. Jake Vieira pitched the ninth frame, surrendering two runs on four hits and recording three strikeouts.
FHSU and Pittsburg State will wrap up the series on Sunday (May 5) inside Larks Park. The series finale is scheduled to commence at noon.