HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener against Missouri Western Friday evening at Larks Park, 12-1 (April 27). The Tigers move to 13-32 on the year and 5-25 in MIAA play, while the Griffons are now 24-21 overall and 16-15 in conference action. A full house of 462 fans enjoyed a great evening for baseball during the annual Pack the Park event.

Steve Johnson Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The Tigers collected seven hits on the night, three of which came from senior Alex Weiss who extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Jordan Wilkerson added a pair of base knocks, including a towering home run to right center in the bottom of the fourth, his eighth long ball of the year.

A double from Jason Nicholson and a single from Clayton Basgall gave the Tigers a pair of baserunners in the final inning with no outs, but Griffon starter Nate Hunter got out of the jam to turn in a complete game.

The Griffons scored in each of the first five innings, compiling 12 hits. Both teams committed a pair of errors in the field.

Sam Capps (2-4) took the loss after allowing five runs in 1.1 innings as the starter. Easton Palmer tossed the final 2.2 innings of the game, striking out four while allowing just one baserunner on a walk.

The Tigers will look to even the series Saturday afternoon (April 28) when the teams battle in game two of the three-game set. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.