SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Indiana State baseball team opened up its Missouri Valley Conference schedule on Friday evening in Springfield, Mo. at Hammons Field. The Sycamores dropped the contest by a score of 4-1 and fall to 8-10, 0-1 in the Missouri Valley. Missouri State improves to 12-6 and 1-0 in the Valley.
The Sycamores got an early lead, scoring one in the top of the second inning. ISU's Hunter Owen led off with a single through the left side, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and eventually third by virtue of a Missouri State balk. Kaden Moore delivered a single up the middle to bring home Owen.
The Bears battled back in their half of the second inning. Jake Burger led off with a single through the left side and moved to second on a Cory Kay single. Burger and Kay then executed a double steal and a wild throw by the Indiana State catcher allowed Burger to score and tie the ball game.
Missouri State took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Dylan Becker walked to start the rally, and then two misplays by the Indiana State defense loaded the bases for Bears. Tate Matheny, a preseason All-MVC selection, hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score one and put the Bears up 2-1.
MSU added another run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Becker led off with a double down the left field line and moved to third on an infield hit. Matheny then reached on a fielder's choice and Becker scored from third.
Missouri State added another run in the eighth, Burger hit a solo home run to left field to extend the lead to 4-1 Missouri State.
Jeff Degano (4-2) picked up the loss for the Sycamores, tossing his fifth consecutive quality start. Degano went 6.1 innings, allowed 7 hits, three runs, one earned, walked one and tied a career-high 10 strike outs. Degano has had three consecutive starts with 10 strike outs. Ethan Larrison and Nick Martin worked in relief. Larrison went 1.1 innings giving up one hit which was the Burger home run in the eighth. Martin induced a ground out from the one batter he faced.
At the plate, the Sycamores had six hits, all of which were singles. Owen scored the lone run, while Moore knocked in his eighth of the season.
For the latest information on the Sycamore Men's Baseball team, make sure to visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook and Twitter.
