Fort Hays State dropped a pair of games to Missouri Western on Saturday afternoon in Hays by scores of 5-1 and 9-2, but a Central Missouri win over Pittsburg State on Saturday allowed the Tigers to clinch at spot for the MIAA Baseball Championship next week in Kansas City, Kan. The Tigers are now 25-22 overall and 19-19 in the MIAA.
Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
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Game 1: Missouri Western 5, Fort Hays State 1
The Griffons jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but the Tigers tied the game at 1-1 in the second on a Luke Kordsmeier RBI single.
Errors by the Tigers would cost the Tigers for the second consecutive game against the Griffons. The Tigers committed two in the third inning with two outs, which led to two unearned runs and gave the Griffons a 3-1 lead.
That would be enough for the Griffons the rest of the way as their starter Brandon Simmons went the distance. He scattered seven hits and did not walk any Tigers, while striking out one. He moved to 11-2 on the season with the win.
The Griffons picked up insurance runs in the sixth and seventh, handing Alex Ellison the loss. Ellison threw a complete game and just three of the five runs he allowed were earned. He did not allow a walk or strike out any batters, while scattering just five hits.
Game 2: Missouri Western 9, Fort Hays State 2
Game Highlights
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The Griffons struck early with three runs in the first and two in the second to build a 5-0 lead. That would prove to be enough as their starter Nik Jurado through the third consecutive complete game for the Griffons on the weekend. Jurado improved to 8-1 on the season, allowing eight hits and one walk with two strikeouts.
The Tigers had a chance to get back in the game in the fourth by loading the bases with two outs after a Mace Krol two-run home run earlier in the inning. However, Nash Smith attempted a drag bunt that was not placed well enough and was tagged out by the first baseman to end the threat.
FHSU starter Jesse Hart lasted just 1 inning, allowing four runs (all earned) on two hits and three walks. He moved to 4-2 with the loss. Kyle Leroy went the rest of the way and held the Griffons in check until allowing a solo home run in the sixth and three runs in the seventh.
Sunday marks Senior Day at Larks Park as 15 Tiger seniors will be honored before the game which is slated to start at 12 pm. The Senior Day recognition will start approximately around 11:30 am. You can hear the game on 1400-AM KAYS beginning around 11:45am with the Fort Hays Auto Sales Pregame Show.
– FHSU Sports Information –