HAYS, Kan. - A big first inning was not enough for the Fort Hays State baseball team Sunday afternoon, with the Regis Rangers taking the series finale, 13-3.
The Tigers (1-11) got off to a good start offensively, collecting three hits in the first inning and five total through three frames before finishing the contest with two more hits over the final six innings. The Rangers (6-7-1) put together two big innings to complete the come-from-behind win.
After giving up a run on a two-out rally in the top half of the first, Fort Hays State quickly regained control by scoring three runs just six pitches into the bottom of the inning. Jenner Kehe led off with a double to right before Ed Scott drove him in with a single up the middle, tying the score at 1-1. Grant Schmidt followed with a first-pitch home run to straightaway center, plating Scott and giving the Tigers a 3-1 lead.
Tiger starter Cole Zimmerman (0-1) retired the side in order in the second before Regis pushed across four runs, two of which were unearned, in the third. The Hays native worked around a bunt single in the fourth before FHSU went to the bullpen in the fifth inning. Zach Berg tossed three scoreless innings, giving up just one hit while striking out three batters.
After nine consecutive Tigers were retired across the middle innings, Fort Hays State picked up baserunners in each of the final four frames but were unable to manufacture any runs.
Kehe and Scott both had multi-hit days, with Schmidt, Traelon Yarbrough and Joey Olson all picking up one base hit.
The Tigers are scheduled to open conference play next weekend (Feb. 25-27) in Topeka with a three-game series against Washburn. First pitch in Friday's series opener is scheduled for 3 p.m.