HENDERSON, Tenn - Missouri Baptist's baseball team traveled to Freed-Hardeman on Friday. The No.12 ranked Spartans started a three game series against the No.15 ranked Lions with a one run loss in game one. With today's loss, the Lions and Spartans are now tied atop the American Midwest Conference standings. 

Missouri Baptist (34-11, 17-5 AMC) jumped out to a six-run lead in the first two innings. With two outs in the first inning, designated hitter Austin Rieman singled to left, scoring the game's first two runs. Rieman finished one for four on the day.

The Spartans added to their lead in the second inning with four more runs. Third baseman Culver Plant had a three-run triple that scored Keck, Miguel, and Hergert. At the next at-bat, Lion shortstop Nathan Van Nortwick bobbled the ball off a hit from Brian Poupore, scoring Plant from third.

Spartan starter Jared Crescentini kept the Lion offense at bay until the fifth inning, holding them to one run. Freed-Hardeman exploded with five runs to even up the game. Lion leftfielder Pete Trollinger doubled to left, scoring one run. Next batter, Zac Carter, hit a two-run home run to cut the lead to two. After loading up the bases, the Lions drew a walk and had a sac fly to score two more runs.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the seventh when the Lions took their first and only lead. Right fielder Darcy Moore homered to left, giving the Lions the lead for good.

Lion starter Brandon Guske, despite giving up runs early, pitched a complete game. After the second inning, Guske settled down and only allowed three hits in the seven innings.

The Spartans finish the series against the Lions tomorrow with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon.