WARRENSBURG, Mo. (March 24, 2016) -- The Mules pounded out 17 hits and scored 16 runs as they run-ruled Northwest Missouri 16-6 in the series opener on Thursday afternoon at Crane Stadium. The 17 hits are a season-high for UCM and the 16 runs tied a season-high.

Northwest Missouri (13-11, 8-6 MIAA) struck the first blow, scoring three runs on four hits in the top of the first. The big hit was a two-run double by Nick Howard. The Mules (13-8, 11-3 MIAA) answered right back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first. Matt Elliott scored on a passed ball to plate the first run, Dylan Farrell scored on a sac fly from Jake Alexander to make it 3-2 and Bennett Oliver hit a towering home run to right to tie the game.

UCM went in front for good in the third plating two runs. Elliott scored on Oliver's sac bunt and Alexander scored on a NWMSU throwing error.

The Bearcats cut the lead in half with a single run in the seventh on Jake Lewis' RBI fielder's choice. Northwest Missouri loaded the bases with one out, but Ben Kelsch was able to work out of the jam and hold NWMSU to the one run.

The Mules exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the seventh to open a 12-4 advantage. Farrell belted a grand slam to left field to get the inning rolling. Cole Distler had an RBI single. Jackson Schnurbusch drew a bases loaded walk to drive in another run and Blake Wilfong added an RBI groundout.

The Bearcats tallied two runs in the eighth on James Holler's RBI double and Aaron Barratt's RBI groundout to pull within 12-6. The Mules ended the game in the bottom half, however, with four more runs of their own.

Distler had a two-run double to make it 14-6 and Collin Nevil brought home the final two runs with a double down the line in right.

Farrell finished the day 4-for-4 with a grand slam, four RBI and three runs scored. Distler drove in three runs, while Oliver and Nevil each drove in two. Every Mule either had a hit or scored a run in the game.

Tyler House (4-0) picked up the win after going six innings. He allowed three runs on six hits while striking out six. Ben Kelsch tossed two innings of relief, allowing three runs on five hits with two K's.

Joseph Hietpas (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season for the Bearcats after giving up eight runs, five earned, on 10 hits in six innings.

The series continues on Friday with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. The game can once again be heard live on 1450 KOKO and warrensburgradio.com with Bob Jackson and Ricky Rivera on the call.