MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Missouri Western Griffons used a high-scoring offense to take down the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team, 16-6.
 
Missouri Western improved its record to 12-16 and 7-10 in the MIAA while Northwest dropped to 19-9 and 9-5 in the conference.
 
Missouri Western State University opened the scoring in the first inning with Miguel Cantu's RBI single, bringing Micah Kobuszewski home after Kobuszewski reached third on an error. The inning ended with Missouri Western leading 1-0.
 
In the third inning, Northwest responded with two runs. Jeremiah Cabuyaban singled, advanced to third on John Connors' single, and scored on Wilmer Jimenez's RBI single. Connors then scored on Chester Brooks' RBI single, tying the game. However, the Griffons answered back with a two-run homer by David De Hoyos, regaining the lead at 3-2.
 
The fifth inning saw MoWest extend its lead significantly. After Kobuszewski scored on De Hoyos' RBI single, Luke Shannahan hit a three-run homer, pushing the score to 7-2 in favor of the Griffons.
 
Missouri Western added four more runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by Cantu's grand slam, bringing the score to 11-2.
 
In the seventh inning, Northwest managed to cut into the lead slightly when Cabuyaban scored on a wild pitch, making it 11-3.
 
The ninth inning saw a late surge from Northwest. Michael Good led off with a single and scored on Brooks' sacrifice fly. Austin Marsh and Jordi Ventura also scored, aided by Jimenez's RBI single and Sam Dinkelman's bases-loaded walk. However, the Griffons had already added five more runs to their tally in the top half, securing a 16-6 victory.
 
Final score: Missouri Western State University 16, Northwest Missouri State University 6.
 
Bronco Whitt pitched 3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 3 batters without issuing a walk. Jayme Fritts provided 1 2/3 innings of relief, conceding 2 hits and 1 earned run, and managed to strike out 2. Micah Diamond faced difficulties, allowing 3 earned runs on 4 hits in just 1/3 of an inning pitched. Dylan McIntyre struggled as well, failing to record an out while surrendering 3 earned runs through 1 walk and 2 hit batters. Jeremy Evangelista pitched 1 inning, giving up 1 earned run on a home run and striking out 2. Jase Johnson delivered a solid inning of relief, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 1. Wes Chiddix managed 1 inning, striking out 2 batters while issuing 2 walks. Nick Brubeck, in his brief appearance, allowed 3 earned runs on 3 hits over 2/3 of an inning.
 
Jeremiah Cabuyaban scored two runs and collected two hits, contributing to the team's offensive effort. Chester Brooks drove in two runs and successfully stole a base, showcasing his ability to generate runs. Wilmer Jimenez recorded two hits, including an RBI single, while also scoring a run. Michael Good made an impact as a pinch hitter, delivering a hit and scoring a run in his only plate appearance.
 
Next Up:
Northwest will host #2 Pittsburg State for a three-game series over the weekend with the first match up scheduled for Mar. 27 at 3:00 p.m.