MARYVILLE, Mo. --Senior Ryan Koval strung together three hits, but Missouri Western Baseball fell to the Northwest 15-5 Friday.

Freshman Caleb Peterson (0-1) took the loss on the mound for the Griffons(12-11). Senior David Steffen was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going two shutout innings while allowing one hit, walking none and striking out four.

In addition to his three hits, Koval had an RBI to lead MWSU.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Griffons got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Missouri Western got an RBI single from Koval, scoring sophomore Jackson Bryant from first base.

After the Bearcats rallied to tie the ballgame at one, the Griffons came back to retake the lead in the second inning. The MWSU offense exploded for four runs. The Griffons were unable to hold the 5-1 lead, as Northwest Missouri State scored 14 unanswered runs over the final six innings to grab the 15-5 win.

GAME NOTES
» Koval led the Griffons at the plate, going 3-4 with an RBI.
» Koval stole two bases in Friday's game.
» Missouri Western pitchers faced 43 Northwest Missouri State hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and five fly balls while striking out eight.
» Northwest Missouri State was led offensively by sophomore Trey Morris, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.
» Senior Quinn Mason led the Bearcats pitching staff, throwing six innings of five-run ball.