ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Missouri Western had three players - Maurice Bruce, Bailey Crump and Chaz Verduzco - collect home runs in Friday's doubleheader against Fort Hays State, but it was little comfort as the Griffons dropped both contests (12-4, 13-5) on the afternoon.

In the opener, Missouri Western was never able to dig itself out of a five-run hole as FHSU scored one in the second and four in the third before the Griffons were able to answer.

Iasid Bernal led off the Griffon third with a first-pitch double, then moved to third on a flyout by Brady Holden. Gustavo Gonzales plated Bernal with a one-out single, but MWSU couldn't keep the offense rolling. Brian Tan was charged with the loss for Missouri Western, while Jake Campbell picked up the game one win.

The Griffons looked to have found their stride in the nightcap, answering a FHSU first-inning run with a leadoff triple by Holden and a sac fly from Alex Crouch in the bottom of the frame. Verduzco's two-run shot highlighted a three-run second for Missouri Western, and the Griffons held on to the 4-1 edge through the third and fourth innings.

FHSU shook things up in the top of the fifth, hanging four runs on the board sparked by a two-run homer by Jacob Bouzide. Missouri Western tied the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth, but the Tigers broke the game open with a six-run sixth. Jake Gilbert was charged with the loss for MWSU while Padraic Walsh picked up the win.

Missouri Western falls to 8-18 (6-14 MIAA) on the year, while Fort Hays State moves to 4-20 (4-16 MIAA). The teams will wrap up the series on Saturday afternoon, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. from the Spring Sports Complex.