The Northwest Missouri State baseball team fell to Fort Hays State, 12-11, on Sunday afternoon in 10 innings at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. The Bearcats held an 11-8 advantage heading into the bottom of the ninth but the Tigers rallied, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth and plated the winning run in the 10th. Northwest is now 14-10 on the year and 10-7 in MIAA play.

The Bearcats jumped out to an early 9-6 lead, scoring four runs in the first and five in the second. But with Hays keeping pace, Northwest added two runs in the seventh to take an 11-6 lead. But FHSU would score two in the seventh and added three in the ninth to force extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, Hays scored the winning run on an error with two outs.

Ryan Abernathy, Eric McGlauflin and Austin Wulff each picked up two its, scored two runs and had two RBI on the day. Derek Meyer had a two-RBI double and Brandon Huske, who drew two walks, had an RBI and crossed the plate twice.

The Bearcats used six pitchers on the day. Andrew “Bex” Trout started the game and was relieved by Kole Klocko, Tanner Smith, Blane Reutter and Taylor Brunch. Friday’s starter Ryker Fox pitched the last 3.1 innings and was charged with the loss.

Northwest will host Rockhurst on Wednesday at 2 p.m. before returning to MIAA action with a four-game series at Washburn starting on Friday.

— Northwest Sports Information —