Cameron Bedard went a perfect 4-for-4 to lead the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats past the Missouri Southern Lions 9-4 Sunday afternoon at Bearcat Field to gain a key split of the four game series.

With the win, Northwest improves to 7-17 on the season and 6-10 in MIAA play while the Lions fall to 17-7 overall and 10-6 in conference play.

Northwest got off to a hot start as Ryan Abernathy, Bedard, and Eric Swain would record singles in the bottom of first to help pate three runs for the Bearcats and give them the early 3-0 advantage.

The Lions would answer in the top of the second as they would score one run on one hit while tacking on another run in the third.

Bedard’s bat would stay hot in the third as he would single to right field.  A Lions’ error would plate Bedard putting Northwest up 4-2.

The Lions would rally in the fifth as they would plate two runs on one hit to even the score at 4-4.

The Bearcat bats would not be silenced in the fifth as Abernathy and Swain would each record their second hits of the afternoon.  Steven Garber would single as well helping the Bearcats put two runs on the board and regain the lead.

Bedard would lead off the seventh with a single through the right side and a sacrifice fly by Jake Kretzer would push Bedard across the plate tacking on one for Northwest.

Northwest would not be done scoring however as they would push two more runs across in bottom of the eighth thanks to hits from Bedard and Swain to give the Bearcats the 9-4 advantage.

On the mound, Carson Smith would take over in the fifth and silence the Lions the rest of the way, making the Northwest lead stand up.

Smith was aided by an incredible double play in the seventh when Kretzer came up with a diving play in right-center field before doubling the runner off of first base.

Smith recorded his second win of the weekend, allowing just one hit while striking out three over five shutout innings of work.

Abernathy and Swain would record multiple hits for Northwest in the win.

“The fourth game of a series is often decided by energy and desire,” Head Coach Darin Loe said.  “Our guys had tremendous energy from the first pitch all the way through the last.”

Up Next: The Bearcats will take on Rockhurst University this Tuesday in non-conference action.  First pitch from Loyola Park in Kansas City is set for 3 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —