By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Hays State baseball put up a fight until the final out but fell short in a 12-10 loss to Missouri Southern on Sunday (March 9) at Larks Park. Despite a late surge in the ninth inning, the Tigers couldn’t overcome the Lions’ offensive firepower, dropping to 12-5 overall and 7-1 in MIAA play.
Missouri Southern wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard, launching back-to-back solo home runs in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. Fort Hays State threatened in the bottom half after a hit-by-pitch and a pair of singles loaded the bases, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize.
In the third, Fort Hays State responded when Derek Woolwineblasted a two-run home run to right field, tying the game at 2-2. However, Missouri Southern reclaimed the lead in the fourth, stringing together walks and a clutch single up the middle to drive in two more runs, putting the Lions back on top 4-2.
Fort Hays State erupted for five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take control of the game. The rally started with Luis Ayalaworking a walk before Cooper Howell singled through the right side to put two runners aboard. Brady Kreutzer followed with an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Sebastian Burgos then delivered a crucial double to deep center, plating another run to tie the game at 4-4. With runners on second and third, Cesar Saavedra drove in the go-ahead run with a sharp single to right, giving the Tigers their first lead of the game at 5-4. Zane Knox added an insurance run with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt to bring home Burgos before Woolwine capped off the rally with an RBI double down the line, extending the Tigers’ advantage to 7-4.
The lead didn’t last long as Missouri Southern stormed back with a four-run fifth inning. After a leadoff double and a strikeout, the Lions strung together a walk and a single to load the bases. Chayton Beck brought home a run with a single, cutting the deficit to 7-5. The biggest blow came off the bat of Cy Darnell, who hit a three-run homer to left field, flipping the score once again as Missouri Southern pulled ahead 8-7.
The Lions tacked on another run in the sixth with a bases-loaded walk, pushing the lead to 9-7. In the bottom half, Knox responded for Fort Hays State with a solo shot to right, cutting the gap to one at 9-8. Missouri Southern delivered another gut punch in the seventh when Brayden Luikart launched his second home run of the game, a three-run blast to left center, stretching the lead to 12-8.
Trailing by four entering the final frame, Fort Hays State made one last push. Woolwine sparked the comeback with a leadoff double down the right-field line. Tyson Jimenez came in as a pinch-runner and quickly advanced to third when Trey DeGarmoripped a double to left. With one out, Ayala lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing Jimenez home and making it a 12-9 game. On the next pitch, Howell delivered another clutch sac fly to center, scoring DeGarmo and bringing the Tigers within two at 12-10. However, Missouri Southern’s closer Kyle Moore managed to shut the door, getting a called third strike to end the game and deny the Tigers’ comeback attempt.
Derek Woolwine led the Tigers with a stellar 4-for-5 performance, including a home run, a double, and three RBIs, providing a major spark for the Fort Hays State offense. Zane Knox also played a key role, driving in two runs with a solo homer and executing a crucial sacrifice bunt. The Tigers showcased a balanced offensive attack, with Cesar Saavedra, Cooper Howell, and Brady Kreutzer each contributing RBIs.
On the mound, Cade Flaherty got the start, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing eight runs on seven hits. Despite the early struggles, Brandon Chavez and Brett Jacobs provided solid relief, shutting down the Lions’ offense and holding them scoreless after the seventh inning. However, Missouri Southern’s Brayden Luikart proved to be the difference-maker, delivering a monster game with six RBIs on three hits, including two home runs, leading the Lions to victory.
Fort Hays State will look to bounce back tomorrow (March 10) for the rubber match between No. 25 Missouri Southern. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Larks Park.
Saturday
Fort Hays State baseball continued its dominant start to conference play with an emphatic 11-7 victory over No. 25 Missouri Southern on Saturday (March 8) at Larks Park. A seven-run first inning set the tone early, and despite a late push from the Lions, the Tigers controlled the game from start to finish to remain undefeated in MIAA action.
The Tigers wasted no time jumping on Missouri Southern, capitalizing on early pitching struggles to plate seven runs in the opening frame. Elliott Herrmannled the offensive charge, launching two home runs and driving in three runs, while Brady Kreutzer delivered the biggest blow of the night with a grand slam on the first pitch he saw, part of his six-RBI performance.
On the mound, Ty Riley (5-0) delivered another strong outing, keeping the Lions’ offense in check for most of the night. The right-hander worked 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking three. Kaleb Carpenter took over in the seventh and held firm despite some late pressure from Missouri Southern. The junior righty pitched the final 2.2 innings, giving up three runs on four hits while striking out three to close out the win.
Missouri Southern struggled to generate offense early but attempted a comeback in the later innings. Ethan Clark provided the biggest highlight for the Lions with a three-run homer in the ninth, cutting into the Tigers’ lead. Drew Townsend was a bright spot, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored, while Brayden Luikart and Jacob Filip each contributed an RBI. However, Fort Hays State’s pitching and defense held firm, preventing the Lions from mounting a full comeback.
Fort Hays State’s lineup proved relentless, tallying 12 hits and showing depth throughout the order. Seven of the nine starters recorded at least one hit, while five collected multiple knocks. Cesar Saavedra, Zane Knox, Herrmann, Cooper Howell, and Kreutzer all had multi-hit performances, providing steady production up and down the lineup.