The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Missouri Southern Sports

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April 25, 2012

McCoy's five hits tie record as Lions deck Central Methodist

By Richard Polen Globe Sports Writer

. — Michael McCoy tied a school record with five hits, drove in four runs and scored three Tuesday as Missouri Southern defeated Central Methodist 21-7 in a nonconference game at Joe Becker Stadium.

The game was added to the Lions’ schedule last week after a scheduled game at Northeastern (Okla.) State was cancelled because of weather.

“We got on the horn and tried to find somebody,” said Missouri Southern head coach Bryce Darnell. “We know one of their assistant coaches real well. You always worry when you have a long layoff like that.”

Missouri Southern (25-16) plays Northeastern State at 6 p.m. today at Joe Becker Stadium, then travels to Lincoln for a four-game MIAA series beginning Friday.

The Lions scored twice in the second inning and once in the third inning before shortstop Thomas Wilson led off the fourth with a double that hit near the top of the left-field fence.

Luke Acosta, McCoy and Will Wagner followed with consecutive singles that gave the Lions a 5-0 lead and ended the game for Central Methodist starting pitcher Travis Tompson.

“It was a good day,” said Wilson, who tripled and drove in a run in the sixth. “Everybody was seeing the ball well. We’re just trying to get hot going into the weekend.”

Starting catcher Sam Ryan was 3-for-3 including a leadoff triple to center field in a four-run fifth inning. Backup catcher Jim Gilkerson, who entered the game in the seventh inning, was 2-for-2, including a two-run home run in the eighth inning.

“I know we have a lot of depth at the catcher position,” said Gilkerson, a senior from Rogersville who drove in three runs. “You just try to make the best of your opportunities when you get them.

“There are a lot of guys who say they like to throw to me just as well as Sam,” he said. “I think they have their heads on straight is most of it.”

Cameron Beaver, who entered the game in the seventh inning, was 2-for-2 with a pair of opposite-field singles to left field and drove in two runs.

Lions starter Jesse Kinzey (2-0) allowed six hits, walked four and struck out five in seven innings. Reliever Michael Mudd pitched the eighth inning, and McCoy made his first appearance on the mound this season in the ninth. He allowed an unearned run on two hits. He had no walks or strikeouts.

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