ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The Fort Hays State baseball team jumped out to an early lead thanks to three doubles in the first three innings Saturday afternoon (April 21), but Lindenwood came from behind to take game two of the series, 12-5. The Tigers are now 13-29 on the year and 5-23 in MIAA play while the Lions move to 21-20 overall and 13-16 in league action.
The Tigers collected their five runs on six hits and two Lion defensive miscues, while LU pushed across 12 runs on 18 hits and no FHSU errors.
Lindenwood grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the first, but the Tigers responded with a pair of runs in both the second and third innings to go in front 4-2. After the first five FHSU batters were retired, a pitch hit Cody Starkel to trigger a two-out rally in the second. Walks to Dayton Pomeroy and Bryce Whitchurch loaded the bases for the nine-spot in the order. Dawson Sramek came through with the first base hit of the game for the Tigers, roping a double to right that bounced over the fence, driving in a pair to tie things up at 2-2.
After starter Alex Ruxlow retired the side in order in the bottom of the second, Fort Hays State kept things rolling in the third frame. Ryan Grasser and Addison Kaasch clubbed back-to-back doubles to open the frame, the latter of which gave the Tigers the lead. Kaasch later came around to score on a double steal attempt, doubling the FHSU advantage.
The Lions scored four runs over the next two innings to retake the lead, but FHSU got one of the runs back in the fifth to close within one, 6-5. Clayton Basgall reached on an error to start the inning before coming around to score on Alex Weiss’ two-out base hit up the middle. Lindenwood pulled away down the stretch, pushing across six more runs over their final four at-bats.
Six different Tigers picked up a base hit Saturday, with Sramek serving as the only player to drive in multiple RBI. Alex Ruxlow (0-4) took the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits over 3.2 innings of work. Zach Rothert struck out five out in 2.2 innings out of the bullpen, allowing four runs.
The teams will face off once more on Sunday afternoon (April 22) with the series finale set to begin at 1 p.m.