FHSU Sports Information Department
PITTSBURG, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 20-26 overall and 14-21 in the MIAA after a stellar pitching performance by D.J. Carr in an 11-6 victory over Pittsburg State on Friday (Apr. 29).
Pitching struggles for Pittsburg State helped the Tigers jump out to an early 7-0 inning after the first three innings. The Tigers scored three runs in the first inning on a Gorilla error, an RBI ground ball by Alex Weiss, and an RBI single from Joe Mapes. The Tigers extended their lead to 4-0 in the second when Ty Redington crossed the plate on a wild pitch by Pittsburg State. In the third the Tigers got three more runs. FHSU loaded the bases with no outs after Nick Hammeke singled, Austin Unrein got plunked, and Weiss worked a walk. A second consecutive walk to Mapes plated Hammeke and the Tigers led 5-0. Caleb Cherryholmes and Ty Redington each drove in runs on a pair of fielder’s choices to make it 7-0.
Fort Hays State scored two more runs in the sixth and ninth each. Connor Ross and Austin Unrein each had RBI doubles in the sixth. Alex Weiss had an RBI single and Casey Sedbrook had an RBI walk in the ninth.
The Gorillas were held in check for the majority of the game as Carr held them hitless for the first 5.2 innings, and had only allowed two baserunners up until that point. He picked up the win by tossing eight innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits, with three strikeouts and two walks. Connor Boyer struggled in relief and gave up three runs on two hits and a walk without recording an out in the ninth. Jackson Rolfs closed out the game getting the final three outs, allowing a hit and a walk.
The series finale is set for Saturday (Apr. 30) at noon in Pittsburg.