HENDERSON — Despite a late comeback, the No. 25 Freed-Hardeman University Lions were defeated by the No. 10 Missouri Baptist University Spartans 19-6 in eight innings.
The Lions (19-6) fell behind early when the visiting Spartans put up six runs in the top of the first inning, only to follow up in the top of the third inning with a two-run homer.
Despite the early deficit, FHU cut into MoBap's (14-7) lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when
Adam Smithson led off the inning with a double to left.
Cade Fuller was then hit by a pitch, setting
Kimmey Johnson up to drive both middle infielders home with a single to right.
Brady Spring and Jordan Cater were hit by pitches before
Cam Madding connected for his fifth long ball of the year with a grand slam to left.
The six runs in the fifth inning were all the the Lions could manage before Missouri Baptist added four in the sixth and five in the eighth to finish up the 19-6 final in eight innings.
Matthew Riley (4-1) got the start and was the first of six Lions to take the hill.
Cam Madding led the Lions with two hits and driving in four runs.
Adam Smithson was the other Lion batter to collect a pair of hits.
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Up Next
The Lions finish the first half of the season with a 19-6 mark, beginning Mid-South Conference play with a trip to Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College. A three-game set will begin on Friday, March 15 before a doubleheader is played on Saturday, March 16.
