Feb 17, 2020

Bearcat baseball suffers 8-1 loss to Missouri-St. Louis

Posted Feb 17, 2020 3:15 AM

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team dropped game three of the MIAA/GLVC Challenge Sunday, falling to University of Missouri-St. Louis 8-1.

Following a quiet first inning, the Tritons broke the scoreless tie in the top of the second, scoring a run and taking the early 1-0 advantage.

In the fourth, UMSL went back to work in the batter's box, plating three more runs and claiming a 4-0 lead over Northwest.

The Bearcats answered with a run of their own in the home half of the fourth, clawing into the Tritons lead 4-1. With two outs, sophomore Jordan Peck doubled down the right field line, scoring junior outfielder Matt Gastner from first base. Peck was thrown out at third on the play to end the inning.

UMSL extended its lead in the top of the eighth, crossing three runs on four hits, including two doubles and two singles. The Tritons led 7-1 heading into the bottom of the inning.

After silencing the powerful Bearcat offense in the bottom of the eighth, the Tritons plater another insurance run in the top of the ninth, upping the lead to 8-1.

Northwest found itself with an opportunity in the bottom of the ninth to make some noise, but couldn't capitalize with the bases loaded and two outs, concluding the contest 8-1 in favor of UMSL.

Junior DMACC transfer Spencer Hanson got the start on the bump for the Bearcats, tossing five 2/3 innings. In 28 batters faced, Hanson allowed four runs (four earned) on 10 hits while striking out three. Fellow junior Blaine Hanf and freshman Thomas Henrichs also made appearances on the mound for the 'Cats.

Northwest will be back in action in its final contest of the 2020 MIAA/GLVC Challenge Monday, taking on McKendree. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. There has been only one ever meeting between the two schools, with the last coming in 1998 when McKendree defeated Northwest 1-0.

NOTES: Peck went 2-for-4; tallying two doubles and an RBI…Quick extended his team-high on-base streak to 10 games.

--- Northwest Athletics ---