CLAREMORE, Okla. — The No. 29 Northwest Missouri State University baseball team combined a two-run blast from Frank Gall along with seven strong innings from Ben Haug to defeat No. 9 Rogers State University, 4-1, at the RCB Bank Sports Complex.
 
Northwest improved its record 27-10 and 17-6 in the MIAA while Rogers State drops its record to 31-6 and 19-4 in the conference.
 
The Bearcats recorded a home run and a total of six hits while maintaining a strong defensive performance that limited the Hillcats to one run.
 
Northwest Missouri secured a victory over Rogers State with a final score of 4-1. The scoring began in the second inning when John Connors walked, advanced on a sacrifice, and was driven in by Parker Griffith's single, giving Northwest Missouri a 1-0 lead through two innings.
 
In the fifth inning, Leonardo May singled and Frank Gall hit a two-run homer, extending the lead to 3-0. The score increased to 4-0 in the sixth inning as Wilmer Jimenez scored on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Chester Brooks.
 
The Hillcats responded in the seventh inning when Jake Mitchell doubled and later scored on a single by Luis Fuentes, cutting the deficit to 4-1. However, Northwest Missouri maintained the lead through the final innings to seal the win.
 
Northwest Missouri 4, Rogers State 1, final score.
 
Ben Haug delivered a strong performance, pitching 7 innings and allowing only 1 earned run while striking out 6 batters with 108 pitches, going above his season average of 1.14 strikeouts. He also achieved a season-high total of 8 ground outs recorded, earning his fourth win of the season. Landon Wells followed with 1 2/3 innings of relief, conceding 1 hit and issuing 1 walk over 33 pitches. Brock Steggall closed the game by striking out one batter in 1/3 inning, securing his third save with just three pitches thrown.
 
Gall led the offensive effort with two hits, including a double and a home run, while driving in two runs. Haug pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one earned run on six hits and striking out six batters, earning the win. Steggall secured the save by striking out the only batter he faced in the final inning. Griffith contributed with an RBI and a hit, adding to the team's scoring.
 
Next Up:
Northwest and Rogers State will continue their series tomorrow with game two of the three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Friday in Claremore, Okla.