The long ball cost Missouri Western as they gave up three against Southern Arkansas in a 6-1 loss to open the NCAA Central Regional.
The Muleriders jumped on top 2-0 on a David Harris home run in the bottom of the first inning. SAU would add another run in the fifth inning on a Jackson McCurdy home run. Missouri Western would get their first run in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by Nate Ramler. A Harris three-run home run in the eighth would give SAU the 6-1 lead.
For the Griffons Bubba Dotson went two for four and scored the lone run. Nate Ramler and Kyle Simpson also went two for four on the day as the Griffons stranded eight runners. Brandon Simmons threw all eight innings striking out two on the day.
The Griffons will face the winner of the Missouri Southern/Minnesota State-Mankato game Friday at 3:30 p.m. from Mankato, Minn.