FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State baseball put up a fight until the final out but fell short in a 12-10 loss to Missouri Southern on Sunday (March 9) at Larks Park. Despite a late surge in the ninth inning, the Tigers couldn't overcome the Lions' offensive firepower, dropping to 12-5 overall and 7-1 in MIAA play.
Missouri Southern wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard, launching back-to-back solo home runs in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. Fort Hays State threatened in the bottom half after a hit-by-pitch and a pair of singles loaded the bases, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize.
In the third, Fort Hays State responded when Derek Woolwine blasted a two-run home run to right field, tying the game at 2-2. However, Missouri Southern reclaimed the lead in the fourth, stringing together walks and a clutch single up the middle to drive in two more runs, putting the Lions back on top 4-2.
Fort Hays State erupted for five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take control of the game. The rally started with Luis Ayala working a walk before Cooper Howell singled through the right side to put two runners aboard. Brady Kreutzer followed with an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Sebastian Burgos then delivered a crucial double to deep center, plating another run to tie the game at 4-4. With runners on second and third, Cesar Saavedra drove in the go-ahead run with a sharp single to right, giving the Tigers their first lead of the game at 5-4. Zane Knox added an insurance run with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt to bring home Burgos before Woolwine capped off the rally with an RBI double down the line, extending the Tigers' advantage to 7-4.
The lead didn't last long as Missouri Southern stormed back with a four-run fifth inning. After a leadoff double and a strikeout, the Lions strung together a walk and a single to load the bases. Chayton Beck brought home a run with a single, cutting the deficit to 7-5. The biggest blow came off the bat of Cy Darnell, who hit a three-run homer to left field, flipping the score once again as Missouri Southern pulled ahead 8-7.
The Lions tacked on another run in the sixth with a bases-loaded walk, pushing the lead to 9-7. In the bottom half, Knox responded for Fort Hays State with a solo shot to right, cutting the gap to one at 9-8. Missouri Southern delivered another gut punch in the seventh when Brayden Luikart launched his second home run of the game, a three-run blast to left center, stretching the lead to 12-8.
Trailing by four entering the final frame, Fort Hays State made one last push. Woolwine sparked the comeback with a leadoff double down the right-field line. Tyson Jimenez came in as a pinch-runner and quickly advanced to third when Trey DeGarmo ripped a double to left. With one out, Ayala lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing Jimenez home and making it a 12-9 game. On the next pitch, Howell delivered another clutch sac fly to center, scoring DeGarmo and bringing the Tigers within two at 12-10. However, Missouri Southern's closer Kyle Moore managed to shut the door, getting a called third strike to end the game and deny the Tigers' comeback attempt.
Derek Woolwine led the Tigers with a stellar 4-for-5 performance, including a home run, a double, and three RBIs, providing a major spark for the Fort Hays State offense. Zane Knox also played a key role, driving in two runs with a solo homer and executing a crucial sacrifice bunt. The Tigers showcased a balanced offensive attack, with Cesar Saavedra, Cooper Howell, and Brady Kreutzer each contributing RBIs.
On the mound, Cade Flaherty got the start, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing eight runs on seven hits. Despite the early struggles, Brandon Chavez and Brett Jacobs provided solid relief, shutting down the Lions' offense and holding them scoreless after the seventh inning. However, Missouri Southern's Brayden Luikart proved to be the difference-maker, delivering a monster game with six RBIs on three hits, including two home runs, leading the Lions to victory.
UP NEXT
Fort Hays State will look to bounce back tomorrow (March 10) for the rubber match between No. 25 Missouri Southern. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Larks Park.