EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State secured its first MIAA series win of the season with a 2-0 win over Central Oklahoma in the rubber match between the teams on Sunday (March 19). It marked the first shutout for the Tigers since March 4, 2022 (2-0 vs. Emporia State) and the first conference series win since May 8, 2021 vs. Newman. The Tigers improved to 11-16 overall and 4-9 in the MIAA, while UCO lost their second straight conference series falling to 17-8 overall and 7-6 in conference play.

The series finale was a pitching battle from the very beginning as Jake Campbell and UCO starter Aiden Bagwell prevented any runs from crossing the plate through the first four innings. In that span, Bagwell allowed only two hits, while Campbell gave up three. UCO brought in reliever Jeb Jenkins in the fifth, who kept the scoreless string going into the sixth.

The Tigers scored both of their runs in the sixth inning. A sacrifice bunt by Colter Maldonado moved Mikey Felton to second, setting up an RBI double by Ed Scott down the left field line. Before another pitch was thrown, the UCO pitcher made a throwing error on an unsuccessful appeal play allowing Scott to score all the way from second.

Campbell (2-0) went an impressive 8.1 scoreless innings before yielding to Spencer Maley with two runners on in the final frame. Maley allowed a hit to load the bases, but was able to escape the jam with a strikeout and groundout for his first save of the season and secure the win. Campbell struck out four and scattered six hits with just two walks, throwing 124 pitches.

Isaiah Ural finished the day 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Tigers in hits for the game, while Emile Boies and Zane Knox each had hits aside from Scott's RBI double.

The Tigers will be back at home this week when they host Rockhurst for a midweek doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21).