Missouri State Topples ORU, 13-3

Missouri State (9-16) started its offensive outburst early, scoring four runs in the first inning. ORU (11-11) starter Seth Furmanek (2-1) allowed the first four batters to reach, including a two-run home run by number two batter Aaron Conway. A pair of walks followed the homer and, after a sacrifice bunt, two more runs scored on a groundout and a single.

The second inning was no better for Furmanek and ORU. Christian Overstreet belted a three-run homer as part of a five-run inning which gave Missouri State a 9-0 lead. Furmanek was chased after facing just four batters.

Luke Voit’s solo home run in the fourth made it 10-0. Two more runs crossed the plate in the top of the sixth as Missouri State went up, 12-0.

ORU finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Tyler Saladino scored on a passed ball, making it a 12-1 game. A RBI groundout in the ninth by Missouri State capped their scoring.

The Golden Eagles rallied for a pair of runs in the ninth inning. Brett Sowers and Joey Winieckieach knocked in a run, but Nick Baligod grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game.

Furmanek surrendered eight runs on six hits and three walks in one-plus innings of work. Blake Barber (2-2) earned the victory for the Bears after coming in relief of injured starter Aaron Meade. Barber allowed one unearned run in 3.2 innings.

The Golden Eagles mustered just eight hits – all singles. Winiecki was the only ORU player with more than one hit, finishing 2-for-5.

The Golden Eagles and Bears resume their series, 2 p.m., Saturday at J.L. Johnson Stadium.