March 15, 2008

Lions Claim 6-5 Victory in 12 Innings

    PITTSBURG -- Missouri Southern State University jumped out to a 5-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings of play then withstood eight scoreless innings before plating a decisive sixth run in a 6-5 12-inning victory over Pittsburg State University Saturday (Mar. 15) afternoon at Al Ortolani Field.
    Scott Klassen singled home Kenny Hart with the go-ahead run in the 12th to lift Southern (3-13, 1-1 MIAA) past Pitt State (6-8, 1-1 MIAA). Ryan Verfurth (2-2) worked 3 2/3 innings of relief to earn the win, pitching his way out of several jams.
    The Gorillas scored a run in the eighth and two more in the ninth to get the game tied. Brian Dean drove in four runs for the Gorillas.
    Juan Hernandez and Derek Ezell each collected three hits for the Lions.
    The two teams will complete the four-game series with a 1 p.m. doubleheader Sunday (Mar. 16).