By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
ALVA, Okla. – The Fort Hays State baseball team opened the 2019 season on a chilly Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 5) inside Myers Stadium, falling to Northwestern Oklahoma State 8-0. The Rangers improve to 4-0 on the year while Fort Hays State opens the year 0-1.
Fort Hays State had a handful of chances on offense, picking up multiple baserunners in four innings. But the Ranger pitching staff limited the Tigers to six hits, all of which were singles. NWOSU rattled off a dozen hits in the win, including a pair of three-run innings in the fourth and eighth frames.
Cody Rottinghaus got the start for the Tigers, throwing two scoreless innings after working out of a bases-loaded jam in the first. The senior retired the side in order in his second inning of work. Cole Zimmerman also posted a pair of scoreless frames, racking up the only two FHSU strikeouts in the fifth inning. Tanner Smith (0-1) took the loss after surrendering four runs (three earned) over one-plus inning.
Ryan Grasser collected a pair of base hits for the Tigers, clubbing a pair of singles in his first two at bats of the season. Kyler Cox and Tim Fitzgerald both finished 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit single.
The Tigers will make their home debut Friday (Feb. 8) when they open a four-game series with New Mexico Highlands. First pitch in the series opener is set for 3 p.m. from Larks Park.