ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Saturday was a prime day to be a pitcher during Missouri Western's home opener against the University of Central Oklahoma at the Spring Sports Complex. 

Griffon Baseball fell to the Bronchos 2-0 in the first MIAA matchup of 2022 for both teams and first of a three-game series. The game was at a deadlock until the top of the ninth inning when UCO finally struck. After pitcher Robert Farrell got out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, the Bronchos bounced back with a two-run single after an error by Alex Crouch to take the first and only lead for either team today.

"Once we made the error, emotionally, it's hard to overcome," said Griffon Baseball head coach Buzz Verduzco. "I probably made a mistake not taking him out, because it's hard to get your momentum going mentally when you're someone like Robert. He puts so much into it."

The Griffons stranded two runners on first and second to end the day. Matt Kesel started his first game on the mound after several solid spots pitching in relief. Kesel struck out seven through six innings, giving up no runs on five hits. 

"Kesel's probably been one of our more steady guys all year really," Coach Verduzco said. "He's been very dependable." 

It was a tough day for Griffon batters, tallying only one hit on the day — a single in the ninth by Hunter Olson. The Griffons walked four times but left seven runners on base.

Next Up

Missouri Western (2-8. 0-1) and UCO (6-3, 1-0) meet again on Sunday at 2 p.m. back at the Spring Sports Complex.