ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western baseball (1-7, 0-1 MIAA) was hindered by some defensive mistakes, and the Griffons lost to No. 3 Central Missouri, 7-1, on Sunday at the MWSU Spring Sports Complex in St. Joseph.

UCM (6-2, 1-0 MIAA) scored the first three runs of the game, and four of their seven runs were unearned. The Griffons committed a season-high three errors. The Mules were also able to score a run off of a balk.

Missouri Western hung its only run in the third inning on a groundout sacrifice by Blake Anderson. UCM tacked on two runs in both the fourth and the seventh to pad their lead, while the Mules' pitching staff recorded 13 strikeouts and held the Griffons off the board in the final six frames.

Lynden Bruegman made the start and took the loss on the hill for MWSU. He struck out four, but walked three, allowing just two hits and an earned run in three innings.

Carson Rosen was outstanding in relief for Western, tossing three innings of one-hit ball to end the game, striking out five and walking none. Quinton Robertson had a double, as he was one of five Griffons to notch a base hit.

Missouri Western concludes the series with UCM on Monday with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and will be available to watch with a subscription on the MIAA Network.