WARRENSBURG, Mo. (March 4, 2016) -- Tyler House allowed just one run on two hits over 5.2 innings and the Mules got just enough offense to beat Pittsburg State 2-1 in the home opener on Friday afternoon at Crane Stadium/Tompkins Field. Friday's was the first game played on the new AstroTurf playing surface, which was dedicated before the game.
The Gorillas (5-7, 0-4 MIAA) jumped on top scoring their only run of the game in the second inning. Gage Grant drew a two-out walk and scored on Jack Mercer's double to left center field to give PSU a 1-0 lead, it was all the Gorillas would get.
The Mules (4-6, 3-1 MIAA) scored their only two runs of the game in the third to take the lead.
Blake Wilfong got the Mules' first hit of the game with a one-out single to right and scored the tying run on
Matt Elliott's triple to right center field. Elliott then scored on
Dylan Farrell's groundout to the right side and UCM led 2-1.
The lead would hold up as House,
Lucas Williams and
Grant Gavin limited the Gorillas to just four hits in the game. House (2-0) tossed 5.2 innings allowing just the one run on two hits while walking two and striking our four. Williams tossed 2.1 innings of relief, allowing two hits and walking one. Gavin pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first save of the season.
Prior to the game, the Mules dedicated the new playing surface, which was made possible by a gift from UCM alumnus and Houston Astros owner Jim Crane. UCM President Dr. Chuck Ambrose, UCM Athletic Director
Jerry Hughes and Crane were joined on the field by several of Crane's former teammates at UCM. Crane's No. 24 that he wore while playing for the Mules was officially retired before the game as well and Crane was presented with a framed No. 24 UCM home jersey with his name stitched on the back.
The Mules and Gorillas will play the second of their three-game series on Saturday at 2 p.m. The game can be heard live on 1450 KOKO and warrensburgradio.com with
Bob Jackson and
Ricky Rivera on the call.
