FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 8, 2007

Wheeler's hit in the eighth drives in go ahead run in 5-4 win for Southern

Box Score

Joplin, Mo. - Trailing the Truman Bulldogs 4-3 in the eighth, Cliff Wheeler delivered a huge two-out, two-run single that scored Kyle Cupp and Aaron Jenkins as the Missouri Southern Lions rallied from four runs down to knock off the Truman Bulldogs 5-4 in a rain-soaked field at Joe Becker Stadium Saturday night (Apr. 14).

The Lions' rally in the eighth came with two outs as Cupp was hit by a pitch and then went to second on a single by Jenkins. Cupp and Jenkins then both advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch by Bulldogs reliever Jesse Brady.

Truman (6-25, 2-14 MIAA) scored the game's first four runs after Southern starter Michael Meyer and Bulldogs hurler A.J. Barton sailed through three scoreless innings and allowing only hit apiece.

The Bulldogs scored two runs in the fourth on RBI singles from Jason Thomas and Matt Over. Truman added two more in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Keaton Jones and another run-scoring single from Thomas.

MSSU (13-21, 6-13 MIAA) cut the deficit to one with three runs in the sixth, with two being unearned. Cupp had the lone RBI in the inning when a groundout to the pitcher scored Juan Hernandez.

Matt Habermehl got the win for Southern by pitching two scoreless innings in relief of starter Michael Meyer, who gave up four runs in six innings of work. Luke Lawver struck out the side in the ninth to earn the save.

Barton got a no-decision for the Bulldogs put pitched solidly, giving up only one earned run in six innings.

The Lions and Bulldogs will conclude the series with a doubleheader beginning at noon tomorrow (Apr. 15).