FORT SMITH, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith baseball team suffered an 18-3 defeat to Missouri Southern State University in the opening game of their Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) series on Friday at Crowder Field. The Lions struggled to contain a potent MSSU offense that erupted for 10 runs in the first inning and never looked back.
Missouri Southern (17-11, 12-6 MIAA) quickly established control, scoring double-digit runs in the first frame. They extended their lead to 13-0 through the first three innings, putting Arkansas-Fort Smith (4-23, 3-15 MIAA) in a significant early deficit. The game, played at Crowder Field, highlighted the challenges UAFS faces in the competitive MIAA conference.
UAFS managed to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue. Caleb Eisenhower reached base and, following an error by the MSSU shortstop, JJ Young and Quinton Borders both scored, narrowing the gap to 13-2. Young had been walked prior to Borders’ double, setting the stage for the scoring play.
Even though, MSSU responded emphatically, adding four more runs in the top of the fifth and another in the sixth, further solidifying their advantage. The Lions’ offensive output proved insufficient to counter the consistent pressure applied by the Missouri Southern bats.
In the bottom of the sixth, UAFS added one final run. Landon Helm singled up the middle to get on base, and subsequently scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Spencer Bass. Despite the late effort, the deficit proved insurmountable.
The Lions utilized six pitchers in the contest – Jett Frazier (1-3), Ty Jones, Colby Morrow, Kenneth Flores, Noah Brown, and Garrett Carroll – in an attempt to stem the tide. Frazier, Morrow, Flores, and Carroll each recorded a strikeout during their appearances. However, the MSSU offense proved relentless, racking up 16 total hits.
Aiden Hinkle and Will Doherty led the MSSU offensive charge with three hits apiece. Hinkle likewise scored four runs, while Jacob Filip contributed three runs. Jake Leeker was particularly impactful, driving in five runs for Missouri Southern. On the mound, Owen Schneider (6-0) delivered a strong performance, pitching five innings and recording seven strikeouts.
The Lions will look to rebound in Game 2 of the series, scheduled for 1 p.m. On Saturday at Crowder Field. The team will require to craft adjustments both offensively and defensively to have a chance against the high-powered Missouri Southern lineup. Fans can follow the game via the MIAA Network and on Fox Sports Radio 103.5.
This loss underscores the challenges facing the UAFS baseball program as they navigate a tough MIAA schedule. The team’s ability to limit errors and generate consistent offense will be crucial as they aim to improve their standing in the conference.
