University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Tough Loss

4/21/2010 7:54:32 AM

Ryan Wagner

Box Score

JOPLIN, Mo. (April 20) – Missouri Southern took the lead with a three-run home run in the eighth inning and then threw a Central Oklahoma runner out at plate in the ninth to hand the Bronchos a 5-4 setback here Tuesday night.

The Bronchos scored two runs in the seventh inning to break a 2-2 deadlock and take a 4-2 lead, but MSSU went on top with its three-run homer in the eighth. UCO's chance to tie it again in the ninth ended when Taylor Brown was thrown out at home trying to score on a fly ball.

It was the sixth straight loss for the Bronchos, who fell to 12-28 on the year. UCO ends the season this weekend with a four-game Lone Star Conference series at Northeastern State.

Arrow Cunningham went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead a nine-hit attack, while Nate Mitani added two hits. Ryan Wagner got the start and threw well in getting a no-decision, allowing six hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings.

The Lions took a 1-0 lead in their first at bat, but UCO came back to tie it in the top of the second when Cunningham led off with a double, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Mitani's bunt single.

It was a 2-1 MSSU lead when the Bronchos drew even again in the fourth. John Bryant was hit by pitch to start the inning and he went to second on Mitani's sacrifice bunt, took third on a wild pitch and scored on a base hit by Casey Bruns.

It remained 2-2 until the seventh when UCO took its first lead of the game. Ryan Schoonover drew a leadoff walk, stole second and scored on Brady White's single, with White eventually scoring the tying run on an error.

The Lions regained the lead with their three-run homer in the eighth and that held up – barely.

Brown walked to start the ninth, went to second on a wild pitch and took third on Schoonover's long fly out to center field. Luke Yost followed with a fly ball to left field and Brown tried to score, but he was thrown out at the plate on a close play to end the game.

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