Box Score

Hays, Kan. - The Southwest Baptist University baseball team run-ruled Fort Hays State on Friday afternoon 14-4 to claim the opening game of a three-game series against the Tigers. After the victory, SBU now stands at 7-9 (2-5 MIAA) on the season.

Fort Hays State was first to put a run on the scoreboard, utilizing an SBU error in the first inning to score an unearned run as the Bearcats trailed 1-0 after the first two innings of play. In the top of the third back-to-back two out singles from Caleb Sneed and Christian Binger put runners on the corners. Sneed came home on a passed ball, tying the game at 1-1, while Sean Murley hit an rbi single to centerfield to put SBU ahead 2-1.

The Bearcats kept the pressure on FHSU, extending their lead in the top of the fourth. After an FHSU error, Cody Massey walk, and a fielder's choice the Bearcats used a double-steal to put runners on second and third with one out in the inning. Jeff Bouchard had an rbi groundout, followed by an rbi single from Hunter Hisky to extend the SBU lead to 4-1. Following a Sneed walk, Binger hit an rbi double to left field followd by a two-rbi single from Murley to give the Bearcats a 7-1 lead. After a Carter Sherban single, Chance Wolfe hit a three-run homerun to right center to put the Bearcats ahead 10-1.

After a scoreless fifth inning, SBU once again added to their lead in the sixth. Binger led the inning off with a solo homerun down the right field line followed by a Murley single, Sherban walk, and Wolfe single to load the bases. Trevor Bowling then hit a two-rbi double through the left side, followed by a Bouchard rbi groundout, as SBU led 14-1 after six innings of play. The Tigers plated three runs in the top of the seventh, but a 10 run lead caused a run-rule to go into effect as SBU came away with the 14-4 victory.

The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, March 12 when they take on Fort Hays State for game two of the three-game series. Opening pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. from Hays, Kansas.