PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team came up on the losing end of both games in Sunday’s (Feb. 25) doubleheader against Pittsburg State, 12-2 and 7-3. The Tigers dip to 7-5 overall while Pittsburg State is now 8-4 on the year. It was the MIAA opener for both teams.
Game One: Pittsburg State 12, Fort Hays State 2 (8 innings)
The Tigers jumped in front after Addison Kaasch led off the day with a triple to right center and scored on an RBI groundout from Clayton Basgall. The Gorillas showed off their offensive prowess early and often, scoring eight runs over the first three innings to quickly take control.
After just two runners reached base from the second through sixth innings, Fort Hays State added another run when Ryan Grasser singled up the middle to open the seventh frame. Jordan Wilkerson and Jason Nicholson followed with singles to load the bases with no outs. Dawson Sramek was hit by a pitch two batters later, helping the Tigers close within 10-2.
The Gorillas scored their 12 runs on 12 hits and three Tiger errors, while FHSU put together six hits. Tanner Smith (1-1) took the loss after allowing six runs on six hits over 1.2 innings of work.
Game Two: Pittsburg State 7, Fort Hays State 3
Fort Hays State once again took an early lead in game two, holding onto the advantage for much of the game. However, Pittsburg State scored six runs over the sixth and seventh innings to secure the come-from-behind victory.
After stranding runners in scoring position in both the first and second innings, the Tigers put together a two-out rally to jump in front in the third inning. Nicholson worked a walk to lead things off before the next two batters were retired. A walk to Alex Weiss brought Dayton Pomeroy to the plate with two on and two out. The senior first baseman crushed his fourth home run of the season to center, giving FHSU a 3-0 advantage.
Starting pitcher Ryan Ruder held PSU at bay over the first five innings, giving up just one run and allowing just five baserunners during that span. The Gorillas chased Ruder from the game in the sixth inning after back-to-back singles, both of which came in to score later in the inning before PSU added four runs on the bullpen in the seventh inning.
Nicholson reached base in all four of his at bats in game two, collecting two singles and drawing two walks. Ryan Grasser added two hits, including one double. The Tigers had seven hits as a team, while PSU collected a dozen base knocks for the second game in a row.
The teams will wrap up the series on Monday (Feb. 26) with first pitch set for 1 p.m.