JOPLIN, Mo. — Griffon Baseball wrapped up its stay at the MIAA/GLVC Crossover with an 8-2 loss against No. 10/14 Illinois Springfield, committing three errors on Sunday at Warren Turner Field.

An early Griffon error in the bottom of the second inning helped give UIS (4-3) a head start, as the Prairie Stars put a two spot on the board thanks to a two-run home run to right field by Iv Dalhberg. Two more UIS runs in the fourth built a 4-0 lead for the Stars, putting MWSU (3-3) into a quick hole. Riley Higgins helped the Griffons cut into the deficit in the fifth, scoring on the throw to first after a strikeout by Travis Wiese. 

However, UIS replied with another run in the next frame, two more in the sixth and one more in the seventh. Jayden Singleton smashed a home run to center field in the ninth to ignite a small spark of a comeback attempt, but UIS pitcher A.J Golembiewski recorded a Griffon flyout just moments later to end the game.

NOTABLES

• Singleton's HR is the first of his Griffon career.
• Bryant Jackson, Brenden Andersen, Will Courtney and Hunter Olson all walked once.
• The UIS pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts. with Connor McKenna tallying nine.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western will go back out on the road and down south once more, taking on Central Oklahoma (7-2) in a three-game series starting on Friday, Feb. 24 in Edmond, Oklahoma. The Bronchos are coming off a 5-4 loss to Oklahoma Baptist, ending a three-game winning streak.