TOPEKA, Kan. - Missouri Western baseball (4-19, 3-11 MIAA) scored nine runs in the first two innings combined and never let up in a 17-5 run-rule win at Washburn on Friday afternoon at Falley Field in Topeka.

The Griffons dominated from the get-go, leading 12-1 after the fourth inning. Washburn (13-13, 6-8 MIAA) scored three runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, but the Griffons pushed it to run rule territory with five runs in the top of the seventh.

Missouri Western had 12 hits, and also benefited from four Washburn errors.

Easton O'Keefe went 4-of-5 at the plate, including two doubles, two RBIs, two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base. Anthony Taggart got the scoring started in the first with a three-run homer, and finished with a career-best six RBIs. Jackson Bryant and Quinton Robertson each drove in three runs in the victory.

Lynden Bruegman (1-4) made the start on the hill and scored his first win of the season, going 4.2 innings, striking out a career-best nine and walking four. 

Missouri Western goes for a series win on Saturday with the game set for a 2 p.m. first pitch.