Missouri State opened with a 12-4 victory over host Indiana State Wednesday evening in opening-round action at the MVC Championship in Terre Haute, IN.
Spencer Johnson and Jake Burger each hit their 20th home run of the season. MSU (35-19) finished with 13 of its 15 hits and 11 of its 12 runs with two outs.
Jordan Knutson (7-6) limited the Sycamores to four runs on five hits while striking out five over his 6 1/3 innings. Sam Perez closed out the victory with 2.2 no-hit innings, adding five more strikeouts to his MVC-leading season total (98).
The Bears’ 12 runs represented their biggest offensive effort at the MVC Championship since beating Wichita State by a 12-8 score in 10 innings at the 2002 conference tournament.
Missouri State advances to a Thursday (May 26) meeting with Bradley at 6:34 p.m. (CDT),