Box Score
Bolivar, Mo. - On a blustery afternoon at Dodson Field, Central Missouri and Southwest Baptist showcased their offensive prowess and combined for 20 runs and 27 hits over the course of nine innings. Unfortunately, Central Missouri came out on top with the 12-8 victory over SBU. The Bearcats record falls to 13-23 (7-16 MIAA) on the season while the Mules improve to 27-10 (18-7 MIAA).

The game began with UCM converting two Bearcat errors into three unearned runs in the top of 1st. Following a scoreless bottom of the 1st and scoreless 2nd inning, the Mules stretched their lead to 4-0 with a single run in the top of the 3rd. The Bearcats immediately answered and got on the scoreboard when Andrew Meier doubled to left center with two outs to drive in Trevor Lofstrom. Already holding a 4-1 lead, UCM expanded their lead to 9-1 by batting around and scoring five runs on five hits in the top of the 4th. SBU starting pitcher Elias Czech did finish the 4th inning but his day would be done afterwards. 

In the bottom of the 4th inning, the Bearcat bats kept plugging away. Clint Jack doubled to left center with one out. Patrick Latham followed with an infield single, and Don Roethler smoked the first pitch he saw into the right center field gap for a 2 RBI double. The score was now 9-3 in favor of UCM. In the top of the 5th inning, the Mules added a run to make the score 10-3. The bottom of the 5th inning saw the Bearcats respond once again. With one out, Meier slapped a solo home run down the left field line that dinged off the foul pole. Later in the inning, Jack slashed an RBI single that scored Hunter Hisky and put runners on the corners. Jack then got himself in a rundown long enough that allowed Carl Schwettmann to score from 3rd base and trim the score to 10-6 UCM. 

After neither team mustered any offense in the 6th inning, the Mules expanded their advantage once again with two runs in the top of the 7th to make the score 12-6. SBU's pitching would hold from there the rest of the game. The SBU offense went to work again in the bottom of the 8th. Clint Jack walked with one out to give the Bearcats a baserunner. With two outs, Roethler smacked a liner that snuck over the wall in right field for a two run home run and cut the UCM lead down to 12-8. Roethler's home run would be the last of the scoring in the ballgame as UCM claimed the win.

Elias Czech was saddled with the loss (1-3) after throwing 4 innings with 11 hits, 6 earned runs, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts. A host of Bearcats had solid days at the plate. Roethler had 2 hits in 4 at bats, both for extra bases, 4 RBI, and a run scored. Jack did not record an out all day as he was 3 for 3 with a walk, 2 runs, and RBI. Meier recorded a 2 for 5 day with 2 RBI and a run scored.

SBU will travel to Missouri Southern on Friday for a 2:00 PM to begin a three game weekend series.