After a three game series against Missouri Western State University during the weekend of March 2, the Missouri Southern baseball team is now ranked 25^th nationally, and third in the conference with an overall record of 11-5.

In game one, of the tournament, the Lions would take the lead first as they score one run in the second. The Griffons would only score one in the third and three in the eighth.

In the eighth, senior Mike Million hit a double and junior Ryan Hunter hit a single to earn two runs.

Freshman Dexter Swims and senior Denver Coffee would both single out in the ninth to win the game with the score 5-4.

In game two against the Lions and Griffons, the Lions were scoreless for the entire game. The Griffins only scored one run in the sixth. Sophomore Zac Shoemaker got the loss as he went seven innings, allowing four hits, and only allowed one run.

In a defensive game between both teams the Griffins would take the game with the score 0-1.

For the final game in the series, both teams were scoreless in the first two innings.

The Griffins would gain the lead with three runs in the third. The Lions would return in the fourth with a run from Millions single.

The Lions would get two runs in the fifth from a single by Swims and a ground out to second base from junior Troy Gagan.

Western would come in the seventh and score two more runs gaining the lead to 5-3.

Late in the ninth, Southern scored one unearned run from a double play. The Lions couldn’t complete the comeback as they fell to Missouri Western 4-5.

 “Missouri Western is a good team,” said Coach Bryce Darnell. “We could have got a sweep, or they could have swept us, but it was a good series with two really good teams well pitched by both teams.

 “We have seen steady improvements from several players. We need to keep getting better each week and that is stressed to our players.”

Darnell said young players like Matt Miller and Swims have been bright spot on this team.

“We have also been getting great leadership from some of the older guys,” Darnell said. “I can’t say enough about Garen Stevens, Easton Fortuna, Richard Fullerton and Joe Kinder.

“They are true leaders who might not be getting lots of time, but they are so valuable to our team.”

The Lions will next play in a MIAA matchup against Washburn University Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 10, at the Warren Turner Field.

They will make another home game appearance on Tuesday, March 12, when they take up against Drury University.