FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 26, 2008

Griffons power past Lions in critical doubleheader sweep

Game 1 Box  Game 2 Box

Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Western Griffons used a brilliant pitching performance by Chris Rusler to win 3-1 in the first game, then hit three home runs to runaway with the second game 15-3 in a doubleheader sweep of the Missouri Southern Lions Saturday afternoon (Apr. 26) at Joe Becker Stadium.  The two victories put the Griffons two games ahead of the Lions for the all-important fourth spot in the MIAA as the top four teams will advance to the MIAA Postseason Tournament.

Western scored the game's first run in the opener on an RBI groundout by Ben Toedebusch in the first and then went ahead 2-0 after Cory Elmendorf singled home Adan Mercado in the top of the second. 

The Lions came within one run in the bottom of the second as Jeff Katchmar tripled home Fernando Lugo to make it 2-1 after two innings.

The score stayed that way until the Griffons received an insurance run when Elmendorf drove in his second run of the day on a single that scored Matt Radel to give the Griffons a 3-1 advantage.

That's all Rusler needed as he pitched a complete game and allowed only one run on five hits.

Southern starter Tyler Lipscomb was solid in a losing effort, as he also lasted the full seven innings and gave up only three runs.  Lipscomb also had four strikeouts and walked none.

The Lions (18-28, 15-15 MIAA) broke out on top in the opener after Derek Ezell drew a two-out walk, advanced to third on a double by Scott Klassen and then scored on a balk to put the Lions ahead 1-0.

But the Griffons (20-21, 17-13 MIAA) immediately responded to take full command with an eight-run second inning that was sparked by a grand slam from Troy Landi.

The Griffons led 12-2 when Jeff Katchmar led off the fourth inning with his fourth home run, a solo shot that brought the Lions to within 12-3.

But Radel answered with a solo shot of his own for Western in the fifth and then Adam Carolan added a two-run homer in the sixth to put the game away for the Griffons.  The second game ended after seven innings due to the run-rule.

The Lions and Griffons will conclude the four-game series with a seven and nine-inning doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon (Apr. 27).