Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
fhsu post game interview 05-12

Game Highlights
fhsu game highlights 05-12

FHSU took a 1-0 advantage in the second. JC Ochoa advanced home on a throwing error when Missouri Western tried to turn a double play on a Jay Sanders grounder. However, Michael Schulze tied the game in the top of the third with an RBI single for Missouri Western.

The Tigers answered and took the lead back 2-1 with a two-out Luke Kordsmeier RBI single through the left side that plated Brandon Hoefler from second base.

The Griffons countered once again in the top of the fourth to tie it at 2-2 on a David Chew RBI single.

FHSU starter Jesse Hart was able to get through 5.1 innings before Steve Johnson went to the pen to get Kyle Leroy. He stymied the Griffons by stranding runners at second and first entering with one out. He induced two weak choppers to first base to get out of the jam.

Ryan Busboom delivered a clutch two-out RBI single into right field in the sixth that would prove to be the winner for the Tigers. Busboom played the game with a broken nose that he suffered on Friday night when a pitch struck him in the helmet and face.

Kyle Leroy really beared down in the seventh after Schulze led off the inning for Missouri Western with a single and then stole second. Leroy proceeded to strike out three in a row with a nasty breaking pitch that dove outside to all three batters.

Brett Macari took the ball in the ninth and worked around a leadoff single, getting a pop up on a bunt, a flyout to left field, and then snagged a liner in the air right back at his legs to end the game. He picked up his eighth save of the season. Leroy moved to 3-0 on the season with the win in relief.

– FHSU Sports Information –

Fort Hays State overcame six errors to eliminate Washburn from the MIAA Baseball Tournament Championship on Friday evening (May 11) at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan. The Tigers trailed 4-0 early, but rallied back to take the lead in bottom of the fourth and went on to win 11-7. FHSU is now 28-23 overall and will play the loser of the Central Missouri vs. Missouri Western game on Saturday (May 12) at 2:30 pm. The winner of that game will move on to the championship on Sunday.

Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
fhsu post game 2 05-11 interview

Game Highlights
fhsu game 2 05-11 highlights

All four of Washburn’s runs over the first two innings came courtesy of five Tiger errors. Washburn’s first two batters of the game reached by error and both came around to score. In the second inning, the Tigers committed three errors on one play, a sacrifice bunt attempt that started with a fielding error, then a throwing error down the right field line, and then the batter came all the way around to score on a throwing error by the right fielder.

Fort Hays State pushed through the rash of errors to cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second on a two-RBI single by Nash Smth. It would be the start of a five-RBI night for Smith.

Washburn pushed the lead back to three in the top of the third on a solo home run, but JC Ochoa pulled the Tigers back within two in the bottom half of the inning on a RBI groundout.

The Tigers rallied for four runs in the fourth. Ryan Busboom drew a bases-loaded walk to pull the Tigers within one and then Nash Smith scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. Mace Krol put the Tigers in front with a RBI single through the left side and Brandon Hoefler followed with a fielder’s choice RBI.

Washburn scored single runs in the fifth and sixth to tie the game at 7-7, but Smith hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the sixth to put the Tigers back in front 8-7.

An error by Washburn to start the bottom of the seventh led to three unearned runs for the Tigers. JC Ochoa scored on a wild pitch and then Smith capped his big offensive night with a two-run homer to right field, giving the Tigers the 11-7 advantage.

Brett Macari picked up the win in 3.1 innings of relief for the Tigers. He stranded a Washburn runner at third in the sixth to keep the score 7-7, getting the final out of the inning, then holding the Ichabods in check the rest of the way. He moved to 5-1 on the season and ran his scoreless innings streak to 15.2 innings. He allowed just two hits and struck out four.

FHSU starter Andy Lewton went 4  2/3 innings, allowing six runs (two earned) in the start. Jesse Hart lasted one inning in relief and allowed one run.

Trent Speaker took the loss in relief for Washburn, moving to 2-5. The starter Tyler Bean allowed seven runs to the Tigers.

– FHSU Sports Information –

Fort Hays State outhit fifth-ranked Central Missouri by five, but fell by a score of 5-0 at the MIAA Baseball Tournament Championship in Kansas City, Kan., on Friday (May 11). Fort Hays State moved to 27-23 on the season with the loss. The Tigers now await the loser of Missouri Western vs. Washburn at 6 pm on Friday evening.

Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
fhsu 05-11 post game 1 interview

Game Highlights
fhsu 05-11 game 1 highlights

The only earned runs for Central Missouri in the game occurred on a solo home run by Ben Cox in the fifth inning and a sacrifice fly in the seventh by Jon Cotter.

A pair of errors by Tiger catcher Shane Wade led to three Central Missouri runs in the game. His first was a throw wide of second base on a stolen base attempt that went into center field and allowed the runner to reach third. Gabe Thibodeau put UCM on top 1-0 with an RBI groundout. Later, in the seventh inning with runners at second and third and no outs, Wade threw a ball in the dirt to first base on a sacrifice bunt attempt that went up the right field line and allowed.

The Tigers had their leadoff batter reach base in each of the first four innings, but could never advance a runner past second base. The Mules turned three double plays in the game and had a strike out/throw out on a stolen base attempt by Chris Santoscoy in the third. The frustrating stat is that the Tigers outhit the Mules 8-3.

Alex Ellison took the tough luck loss, allowing just three hits through 6.0 innings of work with three walks and two strikeouts. Only two of the five runs he allowed were earned. Casey Pierce threw a third of an inning and Sam Thornton went the final 1 2/3 innings and held the Mules hitless the rest of the way. Ellison moved to 3-6 with the loss.

Kurtis Schuyler worked around the eight Tiger hits and struck out seven in a complete game effort. He moved to 9-2 on the season with the win.

– FHSU Sports Information –

Sixth-seeded Fort Hays State knocked off the No. 3 seed Missouri Southern by a score of 9-6 on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the MIAA Baseball Tournament Championship at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan. The Tigers moved to 27-22 overall with the win and advance to the four-team double-elimination format that starts on Thursday. Missouri Southern ended its season at 32-19.

Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
Coach Johnson post game Interview

Game Highlights
FHSU Game Hightlights

With the win, Fort Hays State now plays the top seed Central Missouri on Friday at 11 am. The winner advances to Saturday and the loser will play an elimination game at 6 pm against the loser of No. 2 seed Missouri Western vs. No. 4 seed Washburn.

Fort Hays State jumped on top 1-0 on a Mace Krol RBI double off the center field wall in the third inning, but Missouri Southern took its first lead in the bottom half of that inning, taking advantage of a passed ball that set up a two-RBI single with runners at second and third.

The turning point of the game for the Tigers came in the sixth. Trailing 2-1 with the bases loaded, Chris Santoscoy hit a two-out grounder to third base and JC Ochoa eluded a tag at third base to allow the Tigers to tie the game 2-2. Nash Smith followed with a two-RBI single to give the Tigers the lead back at 4-2.

The Tigers tacked on in the seventh with three more runs. Krol hit his third double of the game and then moved to third on a wild pitch. Brandon Hoefler hit a ball to nearly the left field warning track that the fielder dropped and he motored all the way around to third on the play. Hoefler still picked up the sacrifice fly on the play as Krol would have easily scored. With Hoefler at third, Ochoa hit a blast to left center field over the home bullpen for a two-run homer and extended the FHSU lead to 7-2.

FHSU starter Shawn Lewick finally ran into trouble in the seventh, but Kyle Leroy entered with the bases loaded with one out and limited the damage to just one run in the inning. The run scored on a balk called by the home plate umpire on Leroy’s unorthodox pickoff move.

The Tigers pushed their advantage to 9-3 in the eighth when Brandon Hoefler came through with a two out two-RBI single. He led FHSU in RBI for the game with three.

That would be enough to hold up the rest of the way. Leroy surrendered a solo home run in the eighth and then was responsible for the two runs that scored in the ninth after Brett Macari entered to get the final two outs of the game.

Lewick moved to 7-4 on the season with the win, while Cody Griebling took the loss for Missouri Southern, finishing his year at 9-4.

– FHSU Sports Information –

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released the All-MIAA Baseball Team on Thursday (May 10). Five Fort Hays State players earned honors, led by first-team selections Ryan Busboom and Brett Macari. Nash Smith (second team), Shawn Lewick and Mace Krol (honorable mention) also earned honors.

Busboom earned first team honors in the outfield, a position he converted to this year after playing third base at Barton (Kan.) Community College last year. The Cortland, Neb., native is the top offensive player in the MIAA, leading the conference in home runs (16), RBI (64), total bases (138), slugging percentage (.762), and hits (71) at the end of the regular season. He entered the final week of the season leading the conference in all the triple crown categories, but his batting average dipped to .392 after the final weekend and now ranks fourth in the MIAA in that category. Busboom is also just one off the conference lead in doubles with 17 and ranks in the top 10 in runs scored and on-base percentage. As of May 8, Busboom ranked seventh nationally in home runs and RBI and eighth in slugging percentage and total bases. Busboom was one of three players to earn a unanimous selection to the first team.

Macari is now a two-time All-MIAA selection after earning an honorable mention nod last year at relief pitcher. The Andale, Kan., native earns first team honors this year after being tops among the MIAA saves leaders in ERA (1.44), WHIP (0.80) and opponent batting average (.174). He enters the MIAA Tournament with seven saves, just one off MIAA leader Travis Unthank of Central Missouri who has eight. Macari ranks second all-time in saves at FHSU with 19 after recording 12 last year, which was third-best in a single season at FHSU. Macari is 4-1 in 25.0 innings pitched with 22 strikeouts. Three of his four wins came when he entered with FHSU tied or trailing. He finished all 16 games he’s played in this year.

Smith is now a three-time All-MIAA selection in the outfield, earning second team honors for the second consecutive year. Smith, who is one of the top offensive players in FHSU history, is having another great year. At the end of the regular season slate, the Jewell, Kan., native is tied for the MIAA lead in doubles with 18 and ranks second in runs scored (52), total bases (117). He is tied for second in home runs with Mace Krol, each with 10. Smith also ranks in the top 10 in slugging percentage, RBI, hits, and on-base percentage. Smith was also an honorable mention selection as a sophomore in 2010.

Lewick earned honorable mention honors as a starting pitcher. As the ace of the Tiger rotation, Lewick enters the MIAA Tournament at 6-4 overall with a 3.72 ERA. He has three complete games to his credit, along with 65.1 innings pitched and 53 strikeouts. In his six wins this year, Lewick allowed just one run five times and two once. All of his losses were in games that the opponent scored unearned runs (three of those games the opponent scored two or more unearned runs). The senior from Pretty Prairie, Kan., is in his first and only season with the Tigers after transferring from Kansas State University.

Krol, like Lewick, is in his first and only year with FHSU after transferring from Nicholls State University. He earned honorable mention honors as a designated hitter. Krol is hitting .321 with 11 doubles, 10 home runs and 38 RBI. He is tied for second in the MIAA in home runs with teammate Nash Smith. He also ranks in the top 10 in the MIAA in slugging percentage and total bases. Krol is a native of Nickerson, Kan.

-FHSU Sports Information-

Fort Hays State junior pitcher Maddie Holub picked up another postseason honor on Tuesday, being named to the Daktronics All-South Central Region second team. This is the second All-Region selection for Holub, who was a second team pick in 2010 as a utility player.

Holub was named to the All-MIAA first team as a pitcher after leading the conference and ranking fifth in NCAA Division II in strikeouts with 306. She was twice named the MIAA Pitcher of the Week and won the Louisville Slugger Division II National Pitcher of the Week award for the week of April 16-22. Holub struck out 10 or more batters 16 times this season, including a school-record 16 strikeouts on three occasions. She also threw the fifth no-hitter in FHSU softball history, and first of her career, against Northwest Missouri State on April 17.

After three seasons with the Tigers, Holub has already firmly cemented herself into the record books. This year she set single-season records for strikeouts (306), wins (19) and saves (4) and she currently holds FHSU career records for strikeouts (629) and home runs (27). Holub also led the Tiger offense, hitting a team-high .361 with 57 hits and 10 home runs.

In addition to the All-MIAA and All-Region honors, Holub was named to the Academic All-District team last week and she is now on the ballot to become an Academic All-American.

2012 Daktronics Softball South Central Region

Player of the Year
Kacie Edwards, Central Oklahoma

Pitcher of the Year
Jackie Bishop, Missouri Western St

First Team
C          Nathalie Timmermans, Central Oklahoma
1B        Emily Kennemer, East Central
2B        DeeshanaLynn Tafiti, Angelo State
SS        Bailey Vrazel, Texas Woman’s
3B        Kacie Edwards, Central Oklahoma
OF        Courtney Bingham, Midwestern State
OF        Kayce Raines, Central Oklahoma
OF        Addison Staley, Texas Woman’s
UT        Katie Hines, Texas Woman’s
DP       Stephanie Goodwin, Emporia State
P          Jackie Bishop, Missouri Western State
P          Claire Molina, Angelo State
P          Kayla Jackson, Arkansas-Monticello

Second Team
C          Kacie Easley, Angelo State
1B        Megan Whitmire, Central Oklahoma
1B        Tricia Vogel, Emporia State
2B        Brittany Weaver, Central Oklahoma
SS        Amanda (Mannie) DeCastro, Pittsburg State
3B        Elsamartina Apo, Angelo State
OF        Bridget Schade, Truman State
OF        Morgan Spearman, Angelo State
OF        Julie Cross, Oklahoma Panhandle State
UT        Katie Welborn, Tarleton State
DP       Tiffany Brown, Pittsburg State
P          Maddie Holub, Fort Hays State
P          Samantha Swanda, Tarleton State
P          Emily Brittain, State Mary’s

Makayla McPhail broke the school record in the javelin as she won the MIAA Championship on the final day of the 2012 MIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, hosted by Emporia State. The Tigers as a team placed eighth with 42 points. Lincoln won the MIAA Championships with 204 points, and Central Missouri was second with 172 points.

McPhail, who has garnered MIAA Women’s Field Athlete of the Week twice this season, threw 159-4 in the javelin to top Regina Taylor’s Fort Hays State record of 158-7 set in 1999. McPhail won the event by almost 10 feet with a throw that is the second-best in the nation this season. Tiger teammate Holly Brown finished fourth in the javelin, going 139-2.

– FHSU Sports Information –

Nash Smith hit two of Fort Hays State four home runs, driving in four and and Brett Macari pitching the final 1 2/3 innings for his fourth win of the season as the Fort Hays State Tigers rally with two runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to rally past Missouri Western 12-11 Sunday afternoon at Larks Park. With the win, the Tigers salvage the final game of the four game series and end the regular season 26-22 overall and 20-19 in the MIAA.

Steve Johnson Postgame Interview
fhsu postgame interview 05-06

Game Highlights
fhsu baseball highlights 05-06

As they had done all series, the Griffons jumped on top early with a pair of runs in the top of the first, but the Tigers punched back in the bottom half of the inning with four runs. Nash Smith led off the bottom half with a home run, then back-to-back doubles by Ryan Busboom and Mace Krol tied the game at 2-2. Krol would score on an RBI groundout by JC Ochoa to give the Tigers the lead, then Brandon Hoefler scored the fourth run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Missouri Western pounded out four hits in the third inning to take the lead back at 5-4 and then pushed the lead to 6-4 in the fourth, but FHSU responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth on Smith’s second home run of the game, a two-run blast.

Fort Hays State finally took the lead back with three runs in the bottom half of the fifth when Chris Santoscoy had a two-RBI single with the bases loaded, then Smith followed with his fourth RBI of the game on another single.

A walk and error to start the top of the sixth triggered a three-run rally by the Griffons to tie the score once again at 9-9 and the Griffons reclaimed the lead 10-9 on a solo home run by Bubba Dotson in the seventh.

The Tigers punched right back in the bottom of the seventh as Luke Kordsmeier hit a solo home run down the left field line to lead off the inning.

Missouri Western once again took the lead with a run in the eighth just after Brett Macari entered the game with runners at first and second with one out. The run was charged to reliever Chase Newman. Macari got out of the jam from that point to limit the damage.

The Tigers would not be denied in the bottom of the eighth as Shane Wade hit a solo home run after entering as a defensive sub for Jay Sanders earlier in the game at catcher. That made it 11-11. A pair of singles and a walk led to a Sheldon Howell RBI sacrifice fly to put the Tigers back on top 12-11.

Macari shut the door on the Griffons in the ninth. He allowed a walk with one out, but got a pop up and strikeout to end the game. He moved to 4-1 on the season with the win.

FHSU starter Andy Lewtion went 4 innings, allowing six runs on six hits and two walks. Casey Pierce went 1 1/3 innings and allowed two runs (one earned). Sam Thornton lasted 2/3 innings and allowed two runs. Chase Newman went 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run, but struck out two. Macari went the final 1 2/3 innings for the win.

Fort Hays State honored 15 seniors participating in their final home contest at Larks Park. Those players included Andy Hammeke, Mace Krol, Brandon Hoefler, Nash Smith, Andy Lewton, Anthony Salinas, Shawn Lewick, Sheldon Howell, JC Ochoa, Tyler Treinen, Connor Beer, Brett Macari, Luke Kordsmeier, Casey Pierce and Matt Patzner.

The Tigers will be the No. 6 seed in the MIAA Tournament and face the No. 3 seed Missouri Southern in the single-elimination format on Thursday (May 10). The winner will move on to the four-team double-elimination play, which begins on Friday. Game time is set for 2:30 pm on Thursday between FHSU and MSSU. See the tournament bracket at the link above at the start of the article.

– FHSU Sports Information –

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With one day to go in the regular season, the six-team field for the MIAA Centennial Baseball Championship is set. The tournament will take place May 10-13 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan.

Central Missouri is the MIAA regular season champion and holds a 33-4 record in league play. The Mules get the No. 1 seed and earn a first-round bye in the tournament.

Missouri Western, which has a 26-11 record in conference play, will be the No. 2 seed. The Griffons also receive a first round bye.

Missouri Southern completed MIAA play with a 23-17 record to earn the No. 3 seed in the tournament. The Lions will take on No. 6 seed Fort Hays State Thursday at 2:30 p.m. The Tigers are 19-19 in conference play this season.

Washburn will be the No. 4 seed after recording a 22-18 record in MIAA play. The Ichabods will face No. 5 seed Emporia State (20-18 MIAA) Thursday at 11 a.m.

Central Missouri will await the lowest remaining seed from the Thursday games Friday at 11 a.m., while Missouri Western will take on the highest remaining seed Friday at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 10
Game 1: No. 4 Washburn vs. No. 5 Emporia State (winner advances) — 11:00 a.m.
Game 2: No. 3 Missouri Southern vs. No. 6 Fort Hays State (winner advances) — 2:30 p.m.

Friday, May 11
Game 3: No. 1 Central Missouri vs. lowest remaining seed — 11:00 a.m.**
Game 4: No. 2 Missouri Western vs. highest remaining seed — 2:30 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 — 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 12
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 — 11:00 a.m.
Game 7: Loser Game 6 vs. Winner Game 5 — 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 13
Game 8: Championship Game — 11:00 a.m.
*If necessary game will be played 30 minutes following Game 8

** The top seed will play lowest remaining seed (if #6 defeats #3, the #6 seed will play the #1 seed.

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
fhsu post game interview 05-05

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
fhsu baseball highlights 05-05

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 –

 

 

Four Tiger errors over the third and fourth innings led to six unearned runs by Missouri Western as they went on to blow out the Tigers by run-rule in seven innings, 15-1. The loss dropped Fort Hays State to 25-20 overall and 19-17 in the MIAA. Missouri Western clinched second place alone in the MIAA with the win.

Post Game Interview
fhsu post game interview 05-04

Game Highlights
fhsu highlights 05-04

 

The Tigers had a golden opportunity slip through their hands in the first inning when they loaded the bases with no outs. Mace Krol and JC Ochoa struck out back-to-back looking, before Brandon Hoefler drew a bases loaded walk that forced the only Tiger run of the night in. Luke Kordsmeier followed with a deep drive to left field that was caught on the warning track to end the inning, leaving FHSU up only 1-0.

The Griffons tied the game in the second on a sacrifice fly RBI, then benefitted from several Tiger miscues in the third to score six times and take a 7-1 lead. The Griffons had four straight hits to open the inning before the Tigers committed three errors over the next two plays that would lead to three unearned runs in the inning.

An error by the Tigers to open the fourth inning led to three more unearned runs and pushed the MWSU advantage to 10-1. FHSU starter Shawn Lewick could not push through the trouble in the fourth and left allowing 10 runs (just four earned) on 10 hits with four walks and two strikeouts. The loss dropped him to 6-4 on the season.

After getting out of trouble in the first inning, Missouri Western starter Ethan Ward settled in to allow just five hits and five walks with five strikeouts in a complete game effort. He moved to 6-2 on the season with the win.

The Tigers and Griffons play the second and third games of the series on Saturday, starting at 2 pm, which will be a pair of 7-inning contests. The Tiger loss dropped them into a tie for fifth with Emporia State, which dropped a pair of games to Washburn on Friday. Missouri Southern also won a pair off Southwest Baptist, which puts Washburn and Missouri Southern into a tie for third at 21-17 in the MIAA. The Tigers will be a lock for the MIAA Tournament if Pittsburg State loses one more game to Central Missouri this weekend, after losing one on Friday.

 

– FHSU Sports Information –

The MIAA honored FHSU outfielder Ryan Busboom as its Hitter of the Week in baseball for the week of April 23-29. Busboom had a huge game against Bethany College on Tuesday, April 24, hiiting three home runs and producing seven RBI, then was instrumental in Fort Hays State’s two victories over Wayne State College this past weekend.

Busboom had a solid week in non-conference action for Fort Hays State. He tied his season high for RBI in a game with seven against Bethany College. All seven of his RBI in that game came on his three home runs in the game. He had a two-run shot in the first to tie the game at 2-2, then hit a solo shot in the fifth to give FHSU a 7-6 lead. After Fort Hays State tied the game at 13-13 in the ninth, Busboom hit a walk-off grand slam to give FHSU the win in a wild offensive affair between both teams. He finished the game 5-for-6, also adding a double and single and scored all five times he was on base.

Busboom extended his current hit streak to eight games with a hit in each of the weekend wins against Wayne State. He had an RBI single and scored in a two-run third for the Tigers to go up 4-0 in a 5-3 win. His one-out double in the seventh of Sunday’s game put runners at second and third in a tie game, which helped trigger a five-run inning for FHSU in a 7-2 win. Busboom entered the weekend against Wayne State leading the MIAA in batting average (.410), home runs (16) and RBI (63).

This is the second time this season Busboom has been honored as the MIAA Hitter of the Week this season. Fort Hays State has been honored with hitter of the week honors in three of the last four weeks and a total of four times this season, along with two pitcher of the week honors. Busboom was last honored as hitter of the week on April 10.

– FHSU Sports Information –

For a second time this season, Fort Hays State javelin thrower Makayla McPhail is the MIAA’s Field Athlete of the Week. The Liberal sophomore won the Fort Hays State Open Saturday and for the fifth time this season, hit an automatic qualifying mark with her best distance of the season at 154’ 10”.

Mark Riordon is the men’s Field Athlete of the Week after winning both the triple jump at the FHSU Open with provisional qualifying marks in both.