Bolivar, Mo. – The Central Missouri Mules took the rubber match against the Bearcats to wrap up the three game series between the MIAA opponents. Again, the game was decided by 1 run, similar to the other two games in the series. SBU moves to 9-13 (4-8 MIAA) on the season.
 
Junior Kyle Smith started on the mound for SBU, retiring the first batter via the strikeout. He also got the next two batters, retiring the first three in order. Blake Lutgen and Hunter Hisky both drew one out walks, but UCM maintained their poise, getting out of the inning unharmed. The Mules got a baserunner early in the second inning, but Brett Mitchell threw down to second in time to get the runner stuck in a pickle, officially scored as 2-6-3-4 caught stealing. Following a UCM single, Kyle Smith struck out the next two batters to end the inning. With one out in the bottom of the second, Brett Mitchell singled to right field. Tyler Mathys was then hit by a pitch and Luke Winfrey walked to load the bases. It was then Caleb Sneed coming in clutch, driving the ball up the middle and scoring two to give SBU a 2-0 lead. After another walk to load the bases again, Blake Hobbs was hit by a pitch to bring a third run home.
 
The Mules responded in the 3^rd inning, scoring 4 to take a 4-3 lead. In the bottom of the 4^th, Caleb Sneed singled down the left field line and later stole second to put him in scoring position. Blake Lutgen drew a walk, putting runners on first and second. Hunter Hisky helped SBU regain the lead in one swing, smashing a home run to right field, putting the Bearcats ahead 6-4. Again, it was the Mules responding, scoring 2 in the 5^th to tie things up at 6-6.
 
Central Missouri took a 7-6 lead in the 6^th inning, scoring with two outs. Tyler Mathys was the only SBU runner in the 7^th inning, reaching on a walk and advancing on a wild pitch, but he wouldn't make it any further. The Mules almost scored another in the 9^th, but Luke Winfrey threw out the runner trying to score from home. Brett Mitchell hit a two out single in the 9^th inning, but he was unable to come around and score, ending the tight game 7-6, giving UCM the series 2-1 in three very close games.
 
Caleb Sneed collected 3 hits on the day along with 2 RBIs. Hunter Hisky went 2-3 from the plate, driving in 3 RBIs and drawing 2 walks. Adam White was lights out from the bullpen, pitching 2.1 hitless innings.
 
The Bearcats head to Joplin for their next appearance, playing a single 9 against Missouri Southern on Tuesday, March 19 starting at 3 PM.