ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Ouachita Tigers fell in the final game of their home-opening weekend on Sunday, as the Missouri Western State Griffons defeated the Tigers 5-2. Ouachita recorded three hits and two runs in the ninth inning but could not complete the comeback.
Kason Kimbrell started on the mound for Ouachita (2-5), holding the Griffons scoreless through the first two innings. In the third inning, however, Missouri Western State (5-2) took a 2-0 lead after a hit and two errors.
The Tigers finally recorded their first hit in the bottom of the fourth inning, when
Jakahari Howell led off with a single through the left side. Howell advanced to second base on a groundout and later stole third, but a third out ended the inning with two runners left on base.
Zach Gloff replaced Kimbrell in the top of the fourth inning, and Gloff held the Griffons hitless over the next three innings. In the top of the seventh inning, back-to-back singles brought
Trey Hart into pitch. With runners on second and third, a passed ball reached the backstop, but
Austin White was able to get the ball to Hart to make the tag at home and keep the inning scoreless. With two outs and runners on the corners, Ouachita escaped the inning after a groundout to
Mason Clay at third base.
In the top of the eighth,
Jorden Lawrence stepped on the mound for Ouachita, but a three-run homerun by Missouri Western's Kody Matthews gave the Griffons a 5-0 lead. The Tigers were then held scoreless once again in the bottom of the eighth.
In the top of the ninth, Lawrence forced a groundout to start the inning, but Jake Knight came in relief and finished the inning. Knight forced two straight fly-outs to Howell in centerfield.
In the bottom of the ninth, Howell led off with a walk, and a one-out single by
Will Wallace sent Howell to third.
Kyle Alexander followed with an RBI-single, and, with two-outs,
Ryan Hammer singled to score another run. Missouri Western State was able to end the inning, though, leaving two runners on base.
Kimbrell was given the loss for Ouachita, despite not allowing an earned run and striking out five batters. Gloff recorded four strikeouts in three innings.
The Tigers will stay at home for their next contest, as Ouachita hosts Central Baptist College on Tuesday, Feb. 16, for a midweek, non-conference matchup. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
