Six games into the brand new baseball season and the Missouri Southern Lions have started it off on the right foot. Sweeping the double header in Memphis Tennessee to begin the year was a confidence builder as the Lions returned to Warren Turner Field and hosted the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Dropping two close games in the four game series was disappointing especially since the offense scored ten runs in one of the losses and the pitching staff couldn’t hold the lead. In both wins, the offense really showed up, scoring 17 and 11 runs respectively as the pitching staff preformed well enough to secure the win. The most noticeable facet of a new look Lions squad is not only how many new faces are present but also how much offensive potential this team has. When Richie Gorski, an All-MIAA selection last season, is hitting lower then fourth or fifth on any given day it really speaks volumes to how much punch this offense has to offer this year. The pitching staff might look young and inexperienced, considering one of the starters, Will Bausinger is a freshman this year but as they gain experience and get used to the weekly grind they could quickly become a strong point for the team as it prepares for the conference tournament. This early in the season it is unfair to jump to conclusions but obviously the pitching staff will have to be better because it is unrealistic to believe that the offense could continue averaging ten runs per game. Notable names thus far this year include Tyler Sutherland, who has picked up where he left off last year, now serving as the lead off man for the Lions he has grinded out some at-bats and made opposing pitchers really work to get him out. Danny Biggs is another offensive name that jumps out as he has gotten off to a hot start as the everyday right fielder, while also pitching a little bit. Mentioned above, Will Bausinger got his first career win in his first start this year by working six innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out four. Southern continues their home stand this Friday at Warren Turner field as they play host to Truman State University for a four game set.