FHSU Sports Information Department
JOPLIN, Mo. – Fort Hays State saw its losing skid reach eight games on Saturday (Apr. 23) with an 18-2 run-rule loss to Missouri Southern. FHSU dropped to 17-25 overall and 11-20 in the MIAA. The Lions improved to 28-14 overall and 18-13 in the conference.
The Lions put the game away early with a nine-run first inning. Brett Graham put the Lions on top 3-0 when he hit a home run. A pair of doubles, an error, another home run and a single led to six more runs for the Lions to make it 9-0. Pitching woes continued for the Tigers in the second when the Lions loaded the bases with no outs. A walk forced in a run to make it 10-0 after two innings.
Fort Hays State got on the board in the fourth. Trevor Hughes was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, then moved into scoring position after an Alex King single. Nick Hammeke then singled to right field, and Hughes came around to score after an errant throw.
Missouri Southern added eight more runs in the fifth. The Lions once again took advantage of command issues from Tiger pitching, scoring eight on just three hits, four walks, and three hit batters.
Joe Mapes gave the Tigers another run in the seventh when he hit his eighth home run of the year, but it was too little, too late as the game ended by run rule.
Logan Herd took the loss for the Tigers in his shortest appearance of the year. He lasted just 0.2 innings, giving up seven runs (six earned), on five hits, with two walks and a strikeout. The Tigers used six pitchers in total on the day and all but Casey Sedbrook were charged for runs. Collectively the Tigers gave up 18 runs (15 earned), on 12 hits, 13 walks, and four hit batters.
Fort Hays State looks to avoid the series sweep in the finale on Sunday (Apr. 24) at noon.