MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State Bearcat baseball team swept the Missouri Southern State Lions with a 4-3 victory in the final game of the three-game series.
Northwest improved its record 16-6 and 7-2 in the MIAA while Missouri Southern drops its record to 9-10 and 4-5 in the conference. This victory marked the first time Northwest swept Missouri Southern since their series on April 19-20, 2018. This win marks the Bearcats' fifth straight victory.
Missouri Southern State University took the lead in the fifth inning with two runs. Jake Leeker doubled and was moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Cy Darnell. Will Doherty then delivered a two-RBI single, bringing home Luikart, who had reached after being hit by a pitch, and Leeker. The Lions led 2-0 through five innings.
Northwest Missouri State responded in the sixth inning with a four-run surge.
Leonardo May and
Frank Gall both walked, and after a double steal,
John Connors hit a double to drive in both runners. Connors also recorded a season-high total of 11 putouts in the game.
Wilmer Jimenez followed with a two-run homer, putting the Bearcats ahead 4-2 through six innings.
In the ninth inning, Missouri Southern attempted a comeback. Jacob Filip doubled and was replaced by pinch runner Cole Adair, who scored on a single by Leeker. The Bearcats held on to win 4-3. Final score: Northwest Missouri State 4, Lions 3.
Logan Brasel pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 4 batters. He achieved a season-high total of 7 ground outs while pitching. Despite issuing 3 hit-by-pitches, he managed to maintain a WHIP of 0.98.
Jayme Fritts was efficient out of the bullpen, throwing 9 pitches over 1 2/3 innings, allowing no hits or walks, and recording the win.
Landon Wells contributed an inning of scoreless relief, registering one strikeout and not allowing a baserunner.
Diego De Santiago closed the game with an inning pitched, surrendering 1 run on 3 hits but securing the save.
Wilmer Jimenez hit a home run and drove in two runs, contributing significantly to the team's scoring.
John Connors added a double and two RBIs, boosting the offense further.
Logan Brasel pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing only two earned runs while striking out four batters.
Landon Wells delivered a strong performance from the bullpen, pitching one inning and striking out one without allowing a hit or a run.
In their next game, the Bearcats will travel to face William Jewell at 5 p.m. CT Tuesday, Mar 10 in Liberty, Missouri.
