By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the second game of the three-game series in Warrensburg, Mo., 9-4 Saturday afternoon (March 23). The Tigers (18-11, 6-9 MIAA) and the No. 2 Mules (25-4, 13-2 MIAA) faced off in what started out as a fast-paced high scoring game.
Fort Hays State was able to strike first after the lead off hitter, Cesar Saavedra, doubled to start the game. He later advanced on a wild pitch and then scored on an Isaiah Ural ground out. The Mules scored one of their own on a hit and an error, leaving one base runner on.
The Mules notched another one in the third before the Tigers took the lead back in the top of the fifth. The Tigers scored one after a Jamison Armstrong single, Sebastian Burgos walk and then a Saavedra single up the middle. Brady Kreautzer pulled out the squeeze with Burgos on third and was able to pull it off to take a 3-2 lead. The Mules took the lead right back in the bottom half after a two RBI double. The Mules scored two more on two hits the next inning, taking a 6-3 lead.
The Tigers couldn’t score till an Armstrong single scored Kyle Morell, who tripled earlier in the inning.
Tiger starter Cade Flaherty faced 18 batters giving up five hits and four runs (two earned) while striking out a pair. Tanner Vaughn relieved him after four innings pitched, going two for himself. Vaughn struck out three while giving up four earned. came out to relieve Flaherty, pitching a solid 1.2 innings striking out a batter while giving up an earned run. Brandon Chavez and Rafael Espinoza were able to get an inning under their belt.
UCM went through went four pitchers, striking out six while giving up seven hits and four earned runs.
Saavedra and Armstrong were able to get multiple hits, with eight Tigers able to reach base safely on the day.
The teams will end the series Sunday (March 24), with the first pitch set for 1 p.m. in the afternoon.