EMPORIA, Kan. — Facing a one-run deficit late after two lead changes, Griffon Baseball freshman Jackson Bryant found himself with a chance to play hero on Saturday afternoon at the Trusler Sports Complex.

The top of the eighth inning saw the Griffons first climb over an obstacle in the form of a 3-2 disadvantage, as Will Courtney grounded out to third to score Halen David. Now with Brenden Andersen sitting in scoring position at second base, Bryant brought him home with an RBI single up the middle to take a 4-3 lead. Fast forwarding to the ninth, Missouri Western had one more hurdle to overcome.

Pitcher Zack Cushing started off the inning by giving up a double to right-center field on the first pitch to Jake Bucovetsky, giving Emporia State an immediate chance to tie the game. With Drew Jennings pinch running, a groundout to first base moved him to just 90 feet away from home. The Griffons then made the call to the bullpen, bringing in David Steffen for the save opportunity. With a chance to tie the game, Kase Johnson reached on a fielder's choice, sending Jennings towards home and putting the Griffons' lead in jeopardy.

Cue Bryant's second chance to play hero.

With Jennings inches away from making it a 4-4 game, Bryant gunned him down at the plate to preserve MWSU's lead, giving Steffen one more chance to close out the game. Steffen followed suit with a backwards K, leaving Brenden Tauber standing at the dish with his bat on his shoulders and giving the Griffons a 4-3 victory and their third-straight series win.

NOTABLES

• Starting pitcher Robert Farrell went a career-high six innings, giving up just three earned runs while fanning five batters. 
• Bryant bashed his seventh double of the season, putting him fourth on the team. 
• Andersen, Bryant and Hunter Olson all notched two hits and an RBI.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western (14-29, 11-19 MIAA) and Emporia State (16-29, 10-19 MIAA) end this weekend's series on Sunday at 1 p.m. back at the Trusler Sports Complex.