Missouri State University’s baseball team secured an 8-5 win over Little Rock on Friday at Hammons Field. Curry Sutherland delivered a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh inning, followed by Carter Bergman’s grand slam, which was Missouri State’s first of the season. The Bears improved their record to 5-4 with this victory.
The Bears took an early lead in the second inning after Logan Fyffe hit an RBI double and Sutherland added an RBI single. Little Rock responded with a run in the third and a two-run double in the fifth, taking a 3-2 advantage.
Missouri State starter Michael Yusypchuk allowed three runs over 4.1 innings and struck out seven batters before Tyler Charlton entered in relief. Charlton pitched 2.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and earned his first win of the season.
Sutherland contributed another key hit with his two-run double in the seventh, putting Missouri State ahead. Bergman then hit his second career grand slam, extending the lead to 8-3.
Little Rock narrowed the gap with a two-out, two-run double in the eighth inning. Max Knight came into the game and recorded his first save of the year by keeping Little Rock scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
Sutherland finished with three hits from five at-bats, while Bergman achieved his second four-RBI game this season. Missouri State’s pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts against Little Rock hitters.
Due to expected rain, both teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader at 1 p.m. on Saturday to conclude their series. Tickets for all home games can be purchased online.
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