The fourth-ranked Mules dropped a tough 5-3 decision to the Lions of Lindenwood on Saturday afternoon at Crane Stadium/Tompkins Field. The loss drops Central Missouri to 31-7 on the season.

The Lions (20-18) struck first with a pair of runs in the second inning on a single by Mario Parra. The Mules came right back with three runs in the bottom half on the inning to take a 3-2 lead. Ben Cox singled home Kevin Gratza for UCM's first run of the game and Gabe Thibodeau added a two-run single to put the Mules in front.

The Lions responded with three runs of their own in the top of the third to retake the lead 5-3. Matt Tellor had an RBI double to tie the game and Mike Wilson put LWU in front for good with a run-scoring single. Jason Striegel added an RBI sacrifice bunt to extend the lead to two.

The Mules had two runners in scoring position with one out in the fourth, but were unable to push a run across. UCM threatened again in the sixth, but stranded two runners. The Mules stranded eight men on base for the day.

Marshall Dean (1-2) took the loss for the Mules after giving up four runs on three hits in two innings. Kyle Jackson tossed 6.2 innings of solid relief. He allowed one run on six hits, while striking out a career-high 12.

Brian Hruby (5-1) earned the win for Lindenwood allowing three runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings. Ryan Griffin picked up his second save of the series and eighth of the season allowing one hit over the final 3.2 innings.

The Mules are back in action next weekend as they return to MIAA play hosting Washburn in a four-game series. The action gets underway on Saturday at 2 p.m. The nine UCM seniors will be honored before Saturday's games with Senior Day ceremonies beginning at approximately 1:35 p.m.