WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The No. 30 Northwest Missouri State University baseball team dropped the series finale to the No. 16 University of Central Missouri with a final score of 8-3 on Tuesday at Crane Stadium.
Central Missouri improved its record to 29-9 and 19-7 in the MIAA while Northwest drops its record to 27-13 and 17-9 in the conference. Today's win secured the Mules series victory 2-1.
Northwest faced a challenging start against Central Missouri, allowing four runs in the first inning. Chase Wilcox tripled to center field, setting up a sequence where Cole Funkhouser reached on an error, bringing home Wilcox. Funkhouser later scored on a fielder's choice, and additional runs came in on a bunt single and a walk, putting the Mules ahead 4–0.
In the second inning,
John Connors put the Bearcats on the board with a solo home run to right field, narrowing the gap to 4–1.
Central Missouri extended its lead in the third when Kaiden Ashton singled and eventually scored on Collin Dobson's single through the right side, bringing the score to 5–1.
The fifth inning saw another run for the Mules as Cody Moore, hit by a pitch, scored on a single by Dobson, increasing the lead to 6–1.
Central Missouri added a run in the sixth with Cole Kreisel scoring on a sacrifice fly by Ashton, making it 7–1.
In the eighth inning, the Mules furthered their lead to 8–1 after Ryker Edwards scored on a single by Ashton.
Northwest made a final push in the ninth inning. Connors walked and
Chester Brooks followed with a two-run homer to left field, closing the game with a final score of 8–3 in favor of Central Missouri.
Micah Diamond faced early challenges, allowing four runs on three hits and one hit-by-pitch in just 1/3 of an inning.
Jase Johnson provided some stability, pitching 2 2/3 innings with four walks and two strikeouts while conceding one earned run.
Jeremy Evangelista followed with two innings of work, giving up a single run on one hit and striking out one.
Brock Steggall pitched 2 2/3 innings with one strikeout, allowing one run on three hits.
Tyson Hilsabeck saw brief action, recording one out without allowing a hit or a run.
Connors contributed significantly with a home run, driving in one run and scoring twice. Brooks also delivered a strong performance with a home run, collecting two RBIs and crossing the plate once. Johnson provided solid relief on the mound, pitching 2 2/3 innings while striking out two and allowing only one earned run.
Next Up:
The Bearcats will return home this weekend for the three-game series against Northeastern State from April 17-19. The first game in the series is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on April 17.
