ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Missouri Western picked up their third win of the weekend on Sunday afternoon, beating Ouachita Baptist 5-2. The pitching and defensive were both strong for MWSU, limiting OBU to just four hits and two runs in the game

The Griffons scored two-run in the third inning, getting out to an early lead when Nick Gawley singled through the left side to bring home Cosimo Cannella and Orencio Fisher. MWSU held the Ouachita Baptist offensive in check for a majority of the game behind brilliant pitching from Evan Jones and Preston Bailey.

Missouri Western added three insurance runs in the top of the eighth inning when Kody Matthews came in to pinch hit. Matthews delivered a three-run home run to left center field to give the Griffons a 5-0 lead heading into the ninth inning.

The Tigers produced two-runs and three hits in the bottom of the ninth but Preston Bailey got out of the jam to end the game.

­­Kody Matthews finished the day going 1-for-1, including three RBI in the game. Three other Griffons had at least one hit in the game. Also, the Griffons managed to pick up seven walks to help the offense produce some runs. Pitcher Evan Jones went 5.1 innings, allowing just one hit and recording just one strikeout. Bailey finished the game with four strikeouts and allowed OBU to three hits.

Missouri Western will begin conference action at home on February 26, starting at 2:00 p.m. against Washburn. The Griffons will play a three-game series against the Ichabods over the weekend.