Missouri State Baseball Secures Victory Over Dallas Baptist in Pool Play

The Missouri State Bears baseball team concluded their recent pool play contest with a hard-fought victory against Dallas Baptist. The game, held at Mickey Dunn Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia, on May 22, 2026, saw the Bears overcome an early deficit to finalize the matchup with an 8-7 win.

Game Recap and Key Moments

The contest began with an offensive push from both sides. Dallas Baptist jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, highlighted by a home run from Luke Pettitt. Missouri State responded in kind, with B. Cermenelli and L. Fyffe also recording home runs to keep the score tight in the opening frame.

A pivotal moment occurred in the second inning when Dylan Schlaegel reached on a fielder’s choice to first base, allowing Jake Bennett to score and bringing the game to a 2-2 tie. The momentum continued to shift throughout the afternoon as both teams utilized power hitting to change the score.

In the sixth inning, Jake Bennett hit a home run to right field, driving in Ben Tryon to put the Bears in a strong position. Shortly after, Brooks Sarta contributed a home run to right center, which brought Dylan Schlaegel home and extended the Missouri State lead.

Statistical Overview

The game was characterized by high-scoring innings and significant defensive efforts. Despite a late-game rally by Dallas Baptist in the eighth and ninth innings—where the team capitalized on a wild pitch and a series of singles—Missouri State’s pitching and defensive composure held the lead.

• Final Score: Missouri State 8, Dallas Baptist 7
• Winning Pitcher: Adyn Schell (1-0)
• Losing Pitcher: Avery Duncan (1-2)
• Attendance: 601
• Game Duration: 2 hours and 38 minutes

Looking Ahead

This victory marks a significant moment for the Missouri State Bears as they navigate the complexities of pool play. With the win, the team continues to refine its strategy and performance as they progress through the season. The Bears’ ability to capitalize on key opportunities—such as the RBI fielder’s choice in the second and the critical home runs in the sixth—demonstrates the depth of their roster heading into future matchups.

Key Takeaways

• Missouri State improved to a 34-18 record following the win.
• The game featured a combined total of several home runs, showcasing the offensive capabilities of both collegiate programs.
• Strong relief pitching and timely hitting proved to be the deciding factors in the one-run victory.

As the tournament progresses, the Bears will look to carry the momentum from this win at Mickey Dunn Stadium into their upcoming schedule, focusing on consistency at the plate and maintaining stability on the mound.