SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Sycamore baseball team managed just three hits against Missouri State's All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Preseason Selection, Jon Harris, as the Sycamores lost the rubber match 6-1 in Springfield, Mo. ISU falls to 9-11, and 1-2 in the MVC, Missouri State is now 13-7, 2-1 in the MVC.
The Bears scored the first run in the series finale Sunday afternoon. Joey Hawkins led off the bottom of the third inning with a triple to center field and scored on a Tate Matheny sacrifice fly to give the Bears the early 1-0 advantage.
Missouri State added to the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jake Burger led off with a single and Cory Kay drew a walk to put runners on first and second. Aaron Meyer ripped a double to the gap in right center to plate two insurance runs and extended the lead to 3-0.
Justin Paulsen extended the lead in the eighth inning with a three-run blast to put the Bears up 6-1.
ISU got one in the ninth inning. Jacob Hayes was hit by a pitch to get on base and came home on an Andy Young double to right center field.
David Stagg (0-2) took the loss for the Sycamores. Stagg pitched 5.2 innings, allowed four hits, three runs; all earned, walked five and struck out four. Michael Eberle worked in relief, going 2.1 innings, allowing three hits, and three runs while walking one.
At the plate, ISU couldn't get anything started against MSU's Harris. Indiana State had just three hits in the contest. Hayes hit a single, while Young and Andy DeJesus each hit doubles.
The Sycamores return to action on Tuesday, Mar. 24th when they travel to Edwardsville, Ill. to take on the SIUE Cougars at 6:00 p.m. (ET).
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.
