MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team used pivotal six-run eighth inning to solidify 8-2 victory over Missouri Southern State University. 
 
Northwest improved their record 14-6 and 5-2 in the MIAA while Missouri Southern drops their record to 9-8 and 4-3 in the conference. 
 
Missouri Southern State took an early lead in the second inning with Brayden Luikart doubling down the right field line, later scoring on Blake Jones' single to right field. The Lions led 1-0 after two innings. In the fourth inning, Luikart extended the Lions' lead with a solo home run. Missouri Southern State was ahead 2-0 through four innings.
 
Northwest Missouri State tied the game in the sixth inning. John Connors walked and advanced to third on Parker Griffith's single. Leonardo May walked to load the bases, and Michael Good delivered a two-RBI single to center field, scoring Connors and Griffith. Michael Good's contribution was significant, as he recorded a season-high total of three hits, underscoring his pivotal role in the game. The score was tied at 2-2 after six innings.
 
In the eighth inning, Northwest Missouri State broke the tie with a six-run rally. Connors started with a single, and after Griffith was hit by a pitch, Good doubled, bringing in Connors. Jordi Ventura followed with a two-RBI single, and Frank Gall added an RBI single. A hit by pitch to Connors and Griffith brought in two more runs, making it an 8-2 lead for Northwest Missouri State through eight innings.
 
Northwest Missouri State secured the victory with a final score of 8-2 over Missouri Southern State.
 
Ben Haug delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching a season-high of 8 innings and throwing a season-high of 104 pitches, with 8 strikeouts while allowing only 5 hits and 2 earned runs. He demonstrated control by issuing just 1 walk, achieving a WHIP of 0.75. Haug's effort included maintaining composure during tense moments, limiting the Lions to only 2 runs despite facing 29 batters. Landon Wells closed the game with a solid 1-inning relief appearance, striking out 2 batters and allowing 1 hit without surrendering any runs.
 
Good recorded three hits and three RBIs, contributing significantly to the offensive output. Connors added two hits, scored twice, and drove in one run, showcasing efficiency at the plate. Griffith scored twice and collected an RBI, enhancing the team's scoring opportunities.
 
Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will host Missouri Southern the second game in the series on Sunday, Mar. 8, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CT.