ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western baseball (8-23, 6-15 MIAA) jumped out to an early lead, but its momentum faltered down the stretch in the 9-7 series finale loss to Missouri Southern (21-14, 14-11 MIAA) on Monday.
 
Junior Logan Winkelman was exceptional on the mound in his eighth start of the season, recording five strikeouts and allowing just two earned runs over 5.0 innings. The Foley, Minnesota natives' big afternoon was highlighted by a dominant third inning where he retired the side in order, looking.
 
In contrast to yesterday's game, Western had a solid day at the plate, finishing with seven runs and 11 hits. Junior Frank Gall led the charge with an impressive 3-for-5 performance, including two early doubles, which helped the Griffs build a 6-2 lead after four innings.
 
After Southern scored five runs on seven hits in the sixth inning, Gall added a triple followed by an RBI single from Quinton Robertson to tie the game at 7-7. However, Missouri Southern struck last with a 2-RBI single from Will Porter in the seventh.
 
Southern notched 14 hits on the afternoon, with five players achieving multi-hit games. The left 10 runners on base and committed zero errors.
 
Kyle Moore (3-1), a two-time All-MIAA selection, pitched the final 4.0 innings, allowing only one run and striking out three to earn the win in relief. Redshirt freshman Jayson Shorb (2-3) was credited with the loss.
 
MWSU will return to action for a non-conference matchup at the Spring Sports Complex tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. against Missouri-St. Louis. The Griffons previously secured a 6-2 victory over the Tritons in St. Louis on Tuesday, March 25.