Tigers' midweek struggles continue in 21-18 loss at Barton

Despite pounding out a season-high 26 hits and belting five home runs, the No. 15-ranked Cowley College baseball team suffered its fourth straight midweek defeat in a 21-18 loss at Barton Community College on Tuesday in Great Bend.

All six Tiger pitchers used on Tuesday were scored upon, as Cowley is now 30-13. Barton County defeated Cowley for the second time this season and is now 30-14.

On Tuesday, the Tigers trailed 14-5 after a 12-run third inning by the Cougars. Barton would hold leads of 16-6 and 19-11 before Cowley scored seven runs in the top of the sixth inning to pull within 19-18.

However, Barton County pitchers Jackson MacWilliams and Kyler Horsman held the Tigers scoreless over the final three innings as the Cougars went on to the 21-18 victory.

Cowley had 10 more hits than the Cougars, but Tiger pitchers walked five batters and hit five more.

"It is frustrating to lose because of how we swung the bat," Cowley head coach Darren Burroughs said. "It is inexcusable to give up a 12-run inning."

Ethan Horton (0-1) started on the mound for Cowley and allowed seven hits and 11 runs in 2 1/3 innings. Barton starter Bradley Feezer did not fare much better as he allowed 10 hits and five runs in three innings pitched.

Cowley's second baseman, Cade Baldridge, and third baseman, Keaton Campbell, homered twice in the defeat and combined to drive in nine runs. Campbell now has eight home runs to go along with a team-leading 54 runs batted in.

Centerfielder Hunter Alvord hit the Tigers' other home run, his second of the season.

"There were some bright spots, but overall, this was a repeat of other midweek games we have played," Burroughs said.

Barton County homered four times and was led by shortstop Jaron Cotton, going 3-for-4 with a home run and five runs batted in.

Cowley returns home to face Fort Scott in a doubleheader on Thursday at 1 p.m. Fort Scott is 35-9 overall and in fourth place in the Jayhawk East with a record of 15-5. The Greyhounds are led by Jaret Nelson, who is batting .384 with 20 home runs and 60 RBI.

"Fort Scott has got a talented team," Burroughs said. "It will be a big day. We need to find a way to get a couple of wins."

Score by inning:                  R H E

Cowley 0 1 4 1 5 7 0 0 0 – 18 26 2

Barton 2 0 12 2 3 0 1 1 x – 21 16 2