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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The two losses drop the Lions below .500 at 8-10 on the season and 1-2 in the MIAA. FHSU improves to 12-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play. The Lions dug a huge hole in the first game as the Tigers scored one run in the first and two more in the second with RBI doubles from Trevor Bolton and Brandon Beall. Fort Hays extended the lead to 7-0 with two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings before the Lions found the scoreboard in the sixth with three runs on a two-run triple by Henry Adams and a run-scoring single from Brett Velliquette. The Tigers came right back though with four runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a commanding 12-3 lead. Southern tried to rally again as Adams hit a three-run home run as part of a four-run Lions seventh, but the comeback bid fell short. Michael Meyer gave up seven earned runs on 10 hits in five innings to take the loss, while Tigers' starter Justin Randa lasted 5 1/3 and allowed three runs to earn the victory. The nightcap was a pitcher's duel early on as Southern starter Scotty Roberson and FHSU starter Tom Goodwin each began the game by throwing three scoreless innings and combined to give up only three hits through the first three innings. Fort Hays opened the scoring in the fourth when Dusty Washburn led off the inning with a double and came around to score on a single by Rob Nelson. The Lions grabbed the lead the next inning when Matt Mantle led off with a double and then scored when David Cheney reached on an error. Cheney then stole second and later scored on an RBI single by Juan Hernandez. Roberson kept the Lions on top until the Tigers erupted for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. The inning started out quiet as Roberson retired the first two hitters he faced, but Luke Dreiling homered to tie the score and the Lions helped the FHSU cause by committing two errors in the inning. After the homer by Dreiling, Bolton reached on an error and was pinch run for by Bret Konrade. Dylan Briggs later singled and Konrade came around to score on an error to give Fort Hays the 3-2 lead. The Tigers took full advantage of the two Lion miscues when J.R. Reynolds capped off the big inning a two-run home run to gave Hays a three-run lead. Of the four Tiger runs scored in the sixth, only one was earned. The Lions again made things interesting in the seventh by loading the bases with two outs, but Luke Lawver grounded out to end the game. Roberson got the loss but pitched six strong innings, giving up five runs, but only two earned. Goodwin was also superb for the Tigers, going seven innings and surrendering only one earned run. The Lions and Tigers will wrap up the four-game series with a single game tomorrow beginning at 1 p.m.
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