ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western baseball (13-30, 11-21 MIAA) dropped the three-game series against No. 17 Pittsburg State (34-9, 22-9 MIAA) after suffering an 11-1 defeat in eight innings at the Spring Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Gorillas established their offense early, jumping to a 9-0 lead after six innings at Griffon Park. Dagen Brewer (3-4) and Nixon Brannan (3-5) were pivotal in the 16-hit attack, each contributing three hits.
 
Junior Frank Gall hit his team-leading sixth home run of the season, clearing the right field wall in the seventh inning to put Western on the scoreboard. However, Pitt added two runs in the eighth inning to secure a run-rule victory.
 
Anthony Taggart led the Griffons with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate, including a walk. Blake Anderson also had a strong performance, contributing two hits in three plate appearances.
 
Tanner Leslie (5-2) earned the win on the mound, while Colby Deaver (3-6) was tagged with the loss.
 
The Griffons and Gorillas will clash for the final time tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Senior Day festivities will follow the conclusion of the contest.