Bolivar, Mo. – The Bearcats avoided the sweep Saturday afternoon, defeating the Lindenwood Lions in a high scoring game, 12-11. The win boosts the Bearcats to 16-25 (8-19 MIAA) on the season.
 
Lindenwood got the bats going early, putting two runs up in the 1^st inning on a home run. The Bearcats responded in a loud manner. Caleb Sneed led off the game, reaching second base on an error by the left fielder. After an out, Hunter Hisky walked on ball four that was in the dirt, moving Caleb Sneed to third. Sam Avila came up clutch, driving a single through the left side to score Sneed. The Lions got a second out, but Noah Tucker smashed a home run over the left field wall, making the score 4-2 after just one inning of play.
 
The Lions scored on another home run in the 2^nd inning, and scored again in the 3^rd, tying the game at 4-4. Hunter Hisky led off the 3^rd inning with a double, advancing to third during the next at-bat. Tyler Mathys then doubled, scoring Hisky to regain a 5-4 lead. Noah Tucker reached on a hit by pitch, bringing up Hayden Crabtree. He lined out deep to the center fielder, allowing Mathys to tag and advance to third. During the next at-bat, Noah Tucker left early, creating a distraction that allowed Mathys to score, extending SBU's lead to 6-4. Lindenwood hit another home run in the 4^th, 6-5 Bearcats.
 
Blake Lutgen singled with one out in the 6^th inning, bringing up Trevor Lofstrom. He attempted to bunt, but as he drew back the ball hit Lofstrom's fingers, putting him on first base. The Lindenwood coach did not agree with the call, and the umpire later ejected him from the game. Caleb Sneed loaded the bases with a single into left field, bringing up Brett Mitchell. He put the ball into right field, scoring Lutgen. Hunter Hisky followed, driving in Sneed and Lofstrom to go ahead 9-5. Sam Avila wanted in on the fun as well, doubling down the right field line to bring another run home, 10-5 SBU. However, the Lions roared back, answering the Bearcats and taking an 11-10 lead in the 7^th.
 
Trevor Lofstrom hit a two out double in the 7^th, and Caleb Sneed was intentionally walked. Both moved up a base on a balk, putting runners on second and third. Brett Mitchell came up huge for the Bearcats, driving in the game tying and go ahead runs with a single into center field. Drew Wagner finished the game on the mound, helping the Bearcats seal the 12-11 victory.
 
Four Bearcats had multi-hit games. Brett Mitchell and Noah Tucker each had three RBIs a piece, and Caleb Sneed crossed the plate three times on the day.
 
The Missouri S&T Miners are next on the schedule, visiting town on Tuesday, April 23, with game time set for 3 PM.