Although the Lions’ baseball team led early in the second game, Missouri Southern suffered defeat against Central Missouri State University in an MIAA doubleheader.

Southern played their first game against the Mules on April 2. The game started at 1 p.m., and had a full crowd of 250 people.

CMSU would lead in the first inning as they had two hits and one run against the Lions’ pitcher, sophomore Michael Meyer.

The Lions had their first hit when Trevor Whipkey, freshman first baseman, singled to left center in the second inning. Brett Molden, senior shortstop, was also walked during this inning, and both players would be left on base.

Southern also had a hit by Molden in the fourth inning as he singled through the left side.

The Lions would not obtain a run until the sixth inning. The hitting was started by Luke Lawver, sophomore catcher, as he doubled to right center. As Molden singled to center field Lawver made it home.

Southern’s next two runs came in the final inning, but it was not enough to revive a win for the Lions. Whipkey doubled to left field. After Brett Miller, freshman pinch hitter, struck out looking, Kyle Knight, sophomore left fielder, homered down the right field line sending Whipkey and himself home. Although Lawver singled the ball to left field, he got out at second third base to second base.

The game ended with CMSU’s victory of 14-3.

In game two, things started to look up for the Lions as they fired off five runs in the third inning. It started with Kyle Cupp, sophomore third baseman, as he singled down the leftfield line. Next Landon Harris, junior right fielder, doubled to center field, advancing Cupp to third base. As Brett Velliquette, sophomore left fielder, singled up the middle of the field, Cupp and Harris were able to score. Whipkey homered next to left field, sending Velliquette and himself home. Jeff Taylor, junior designated hitter, would score next on a wild pitch.

After Southern scored, CMSU would hold the Lions hitless and go on to win the game 6-5.

The Lions are currently ranked 4-6 for the MIAA conference and 13-19 overall.

The April 6 game against Pittsburg State University was postponed on account of rain.

The Lions will play next at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday against Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.