Game 1: Missouri Southern 12, Fort Hays State 7
Missouri Southern never trailed in the first game of the doubleheader, although FHSU tied the game in the second after both teams scored three runs in the inning. MSSU plated one in the third, two in the fourth, and two in the fifth to take an 8-3 lead and FHSU never caught the Lions from that point.
FHSU cut into the lead in the fifth with another three-run inning, but MSSU scored in every inning but the first, plating three more in the sixth and one in the seventh.
The Tigers got four of their seven runs on four solo home runs, including two no-doubters by Kevin Czarnecki. Connor Ross and Nick Hammeke also hit got into the home run mix.
Ross, like Czarnecki, had two RBI in the game, also plating one with a double. Casey Sedbrook had a RBI groundout and Cooper Langley had a sacrifice fly RBI.
FHSU starting pitcher Tyler Patty gave up 10 runs (eight earned) on 12 hits and one walk, while striking out four. Kyle Vogt gave up one run in 0.2 innings of work, and Trevor Rinne also gave up one in 1.0 innings of work.
MSSU starter Chris Hoffman went the distance for a complete game win, although he gave up seven runs on 12 hits with two strikeouts.
Game 2: Missouri Southern 23, Fort Hays State 5
Fort Hays State found itself trailing 17-2 after two and a half innings as game two turned into a blow out early. The Lions scored three in the first, eight in the second, and six in the third to run away from the Tigers, even though it was just 3-2 after one inning.
Cooper Langley provided all the offense for FHSU with a two home run game, a two-run shot in the first and a three-run blast in the third.
MSSU scored six more in the fifth to push the final margin to 18. Lion pitcher Payton Walker tossed a complete game allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk, but struck out 11.
FHSU starter Justin Hersch allowed 11 runs (six earned) on 10 hits and a walk with one strikeout. Will Amen allowed five runs in relief and Clayton Basgall allowed seven (six earned). Joe Mapes allowed just one hit over the final 2.2 innings.
The Tigers, now 3-12 overall and 3-8 in the MIAA, try to avoid a series sweep on Sunday in the final game of the four-game weekend series. MSSU moved to 14-1 and 7-0 in the MIAA with the wins