MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team opened its road series against the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith in dominant fashion, utilizing a career-high four hits from
Jordi Ventura and a 12-strikeout gem from
Ben Haug to shut out the Lions, 9-0.
Northwest improved its record 24-9 and 14-5 in the MIAA while Arkansas-Fort Smith drops its record to 4-26 and 3-18 in the conference.
Northwest achieved success at the plate with two home runs and three doubles, while its pitching staff held the Lions to just four hits. The Bearcats has maintained a hitting streak of at least 10 hits for three consecutive games.
Northwest opened the scoring in the second inning when
Wilmer Jimenez, who had been hit by a pitch, advanced to third on
Chester Brooks' double and scored on an
Austin Marsh groundout. The visitors led 1-0 after two innings.
In the third inning,
Leonardo May walked and stole second before scoring on a single by
Jordi Ventura. Ventura later stole home on a play that also saw
John Connors advance to third on a throwing error, giving Northwest Mo. St. a 3-0 lead after three innings.
The fifth inning saw the Bearcats extend their lead further.
Frank Gall walked and later scored on Ventura's double. Connors followed with a two-run homer, bringing home Ventura. Northwest increased its lead to 6-0 through five innings.
Ventura continued his strong performance in the seventh inning with a solo home run, pushing the lead to 7-0. This game marked the first four-hit game of
Jordi Ventura's Bearcat baseball career.
In the eighth inning, Marsh walked and eventually scored on a single by May. May advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on Gall's infield single, making the score 9-0.
Northwest maintained its lead throughout the game, shutting out UAFS with a final score of 9-0.
Ben Haug delivered a commanding performance on the mound for Northwest, pitching 8 innings without allowing any earned runs. Haug achieved a season-high total of 12 strikeouts, including a season-high of 4 strikeouts looking. He issued just 2 walks and limited the opposition to 4 hits, showcasing his efficiency with 70 strikes out of 103 pitches.
Wes Chiddix contributed a flawless inning of relief, retiring all three batters he faced on just 8 pitches, maintaining a WHIP of .00.
Ventura had a standout performance with three runs scored, four hits, and three RBIs, including a home run. Haug dominated on the mound, pitching eight scoreless innings while recording 12 strikeouts and allowing just four hits. Connors contributed offensively with two hits and two RBIs, highlighted by a home run. May added to the scoring with two runs and an RBI, along with a stolen base.
Blake Wilsey also had an impressive defensive game, recording a season-high total of 13 putouts.
Next Up:
Northwest will conclude the series Friday, April 2 with a doubleheader at Crowder Field in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Game 2 is slated for a 12 p.m. start, with the series finale to follow at 3 p.m.
