MARYVILLE, Mo. — Jordi Ventura's one-out, two-run walk-off home run in the 10th inning lifted the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team to an 11-9 victory over No. 2-ranked Pittsburg State University Friday in the first matchup of a three-game series.
 
Northwest improved its record 20-9 and 10-5 in the MIAA while Pittsburg State drops its record to 26-4 and 15-4 in the conference. 
 
Northwest took an early lead in the first inning, scoring three runs. Frank Gall walked, then scored on Jordi Ventura's single to right field. John Connors also walked and later scored on a sacrifice bunt by Parker Griffith. Ventura crossed home plate on a single by Wilmer Jimenez, putting the team up 3-0.
 
In the third inning, the Gorillas, ranked number two in the nation, responded by tying the game at 3-3. Cooper Harris scored on a sacrifice fly, followed by a two-RBI single by Isaac Webb.
 
The fourth inning featured more scoring from both teams. Pittsburg State added two runs, one of which was unearned, to lead 5-3. Northwest answered back with two runs of its own. Chester Brooks walked and eventually scored alongside Gall on a two-RBI double by Connors, tying the score at 5-5.
 
Northwest broke the tie in the seventh inning with a four-run surge. Brooks doubled to drive in two runs, and Gall followed with a two-run homer, extending the lead to 9-5.
 
The Gorillas narrowed the margin in the eighth with a three-run homer by Cooper Wesslund, but Northwest maintained a 9-8 lead.
 
In the ninth inning, Pittsburg State tied the game at 9-9 with a solo home run by Webb.
 
During the tenth inning, Northwest secured the win. Ventura's two-run homer brought in Connors, concluding the game with an 11-9 victory.
 
Ben Haug led Northwest with a solid start, posting a season-high total of 119 pitches over 6 innings while allowing 5 runs on 5 hits, striking out 5, and walking 4. Landon Wells provided relief, pitching 1 inning with 2 hits and 1 earned run. Jase Johnson struggled in his 1 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, including 2 home runs. Brock Steggall earned the win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits, striking out 1, and maintaining a WHIP of .83.
 
Gall highlighted his performance by scoring three runs and driving in two with a home run. Ventura contributed significantly with two hits, including a home run, while driving in three runs and scoring twice. Connors showcased his batting skills by recording two hits and two RBIs, and he also drew three walks. Brooks added depth to the lineup by hitting a double, collecting two hits, and driving in two runs.
 
Next Up:
Northwest and Pittsburg State will return to Bearcat Baseball Field for game two in the series on Saturday, Mar. 28. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.