WARRENSBURG, Mo. (April 28, 2018) – Central Missouri Mules Baseball jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the Missouri Southern Lions Saturday afternoon, but could not hold on as they ultimately fell 11-7. With the loss, UCM is now 31-13 overall and 22-10 in MIAA play.

Play-by-Play
• John Fairchild got the Mules early scoring going with a two RBI single through the left side to score Erik Webb and Travis Able.
• Three MSSU (24-22, 12-20 MIAA) errors in the bottom of the third help the Mules score four runs to lead 6-0. After Collin Nevil was walked, a throwing error by the Lions got Justin Graff-Rowe on base and allowed Nevil to score.
• Following Graff-Rowe, Fairchild was hit by pitch while Harrison Schnurbusch was walked. An error by the Lions shortstop got Donovan Ditto on base and scored both runners.
• The third Lions error came on a throw by the catcher, which allowed Schnurbusch to score. Despite leading 6-0, the Mules scored just one more run the rest of the game.
• Alec Alvarez started the MSSU rally with a two-run homer in the top of the fourth to right center. Following a scoreless fifth inning, the Lions scored three in the sixth to get within two runs, 6-4.
• The first two runs in the sixth came on a two-run homer from Cory Canterbury to left field. Run No. 3 was a sacrifice fly from Joe Kinder to score Mike Million and cut the Mules lead to one, 6-5
• Four runs in the top of the seventh help MSSU establish a lead they never let go. Million doubled down the third base line to score two runners. Alvarez followed him up a double to score the second run.
• A sacrifice bunt got Alvarez to third and he then scored on a wild pitch to give the Lions a 9-6 lead.
• Fairchild scored the final run for the Mules with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the seventh. He handled the 2-2 pitch and hit the ball past right field for the opposite field home run.
• Million put up the final two runs for MSSU with the team's third two-run homer of the game to plate home Canterbury.

Mules Stat Leaders
• Fairchild was 2-3 with two runs scored, 3 RBI, and a home run.
• Able collected the most hits going 3-6, with a run scored.
• Webb finished 2-5, with a run scored.
• Nevil, Ditto, and Whalin each had a hit. Nevil also drew three walks in the game.
• Ben Kelsch worked five innings for UCM. He allowed four runs (all earned) on seven hits and had a strikeout.
• Jonathan Sprinkle had a team-high three strikeouts in 1.2 innings of relief.

For the Lions
• Million scored four runs, with 4 RBI and a home run on 4-5 hitting to lead the way for MSSU.
• Alvarez went 2-4, while scoring two runs, with three RBI, and a home run.
• Canterbury also had a home run while going 2-4 as well. He scored three runs and had two RBI.
• Bradly Hershey got the win out of the bullpen. He pitched 2.2 innings and gave up just one earned run on four hits.
• Jared Flores got the start on the hill and pitched 3.1 innings. He allowed six runs (two earned) on five hits and fanned two batters.

News and Notes
• The Mules used six pitchers in Saturday's game against the Lions.
• UCM honored 12 seniors at the conclusion of Saturday's game. The four year group for the Mules has a combined 136 wins.
• Able continues to extend his hit streak, which is now at 11 games. His on base streak is now at 19 games, and he just one shy of reaching 20.
• The Mules are now 8-4 in Saturday games this season.
• This is just the second loss for UCM when leading after six innings. They are now 29-2 in games this season when leading after six.

Up Next
• The series finale. The Mules close out their final home series of the regular season tomorrow afternoon against the Lions. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.