ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Make that two days in a row that Griffon Baseball has had a flair for the dramatics when it comes to beating Fort Hays State.
Griffon Baseball got to ring the bell for the first time at home this season after defeating the Tigers 6-5 in 10 innings thanks to a walk-off single by
Will Courtney on Sunday at the Spring Sports Complex. Missouri Western had to rally late, however, as Fort Hays (18-26, 8-19 MIAA) took a 5-4 lead in the top of the 10th to make life difficult for the Griffons in their penultimate home series of the season.
The bottom half of the frame started with a
Travis Wiese walk, giving the Griffs early life.
Brenden Andersen followed suit with a walk of his own, putting the pressure on Fort Hays pitcher Spencer Maley. The Tigers found some comfort after striking out
Hunter Olson, but MWSU was not finished cooking, as
Zach Hanlan walked in a pinch-hitting scenario to load the bases. Head Coach
Buzz Verduzco elected to put some speed on the basepaths, pinch running
Halen David and
Jared Munk.
Verduzco's decision paid off, as Courtney sent a single right back up the middle to plate both David and Munk and give MWSU its first walk-off win of the season. Missouri Western started the day just as well with a 3-0 lead after a three-run second inning, highlighted by RBI hits from
Ryan Neise and
Jerry Nix.
Zack Cushing picked up the win with a five-inning day, striking out six Tigers while only giving up two hits.
NOTABLES
- Starting pitcher Brayden Haug fanned five batters in five innings.
- Nix's double is his eighth this year, placing him third on the team.
- Courtney and Bryson McArn led the Griffons with two hits apiece.
UP NEXT
Missouri Western (11-28, 8-19 MIAA) heads east on Tuesday for a 5 p.m. matchup with Maryville (23-12) in St. Louis at Weber Baseball Field. The Saints recently split a four-game series with No. 20 Illinois Springfield, losing the first and final games of the program.
