JOPLIN, Mo. — The 10th-ranked Missouri Southern baseball team split a double-header with Northwest Missouri, dropping game one by the score of 6-3, but rebounding to take game two 16-7.
Southern (21-7, 12-3 MIAA) wins its fourth MIAA series of the season, having dropped just one series so far.
The Lions fell victim to late runs from the Bearcats in the opener as Northwest (11-14, 7-8 MIAA) scored three runs over the sixth and seventh innings to put the game away.
Game two saw Southern score three runs in the first and seven runs over the seventh and eighth innings to put the game away.
Game one saw Dexter Swims go 3-for-5 with a double, a run and an RBI, while Troy Gagan and Freddie Landers had two hits each. Gagan had a double, a run and an RBI, while Mike Million had a run scored, as well.
Zac Shoemaker started and went six innings, striking out seven, but errors hurt as he allowed just three earned runs, six total, to move his record to 2-2 on the season. Logan VanWey and Austin DesRosche threw an inning each in relief.
Game two saw Swims lead the way again, this time going 4-for-6 with two doubles and a home run, five RBIs and three runs scored. Matt Miller was a single shy of the cycle as he went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double and a triple, driving in three and scoring two runs. Denver Coffee had two doubles, three RBIs and a pair of runs scored, while Jon Leighton went 2-for-4 with three runs scored. Mike Million had a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored, while Davin Gummere had a hit and a pair of runs. Landers had a hit and arun scored, as well.
Will Bausinger started and went three and two thirds. River Wright threw an inning and a third of hitless relief and picked up the win to move to 2-0 on the season. DesRosche, Cole Woods, Joey Reeves and Brennon Covington threw in relief.
The Lions will be back in action next weekend as Southern travels to Emporia State for a matchup with the Hornets.
