Box Score Rockhurst was unable to get anything going while the Missouri Western Griffons collected 16 hits in the Hawks' home opener Tuesday night at Loyola Park Baseball Field. The Hawks committed five errors in the 13-2 loss.
 
Western collected three quick runs in the first inning on two hits, two errors and two walks. In the bottom of the first inning, lightning and rain appeared, causing a 45-minute rain delay.
 
The delay did not cool the Griffons' hitting attack as they continued to pound the ball the entire night, adding two runs in the fourth and sixth innings and three runs in the eighth and ninth innings.
 
Rockhurst was able scratch two runs on the board in the fifth inning. Senior second baseman Patrick Burns led off the inning with a single through the left side. Missouri Western starting pitcher Grant Woods was able to get the first out before issuing back-to-back walks.
 
In the bases loaded jam, Griffon head coach Buzz Verduzco opted to pull Woods for relief pitcher Weston Caindec. Caindec recorded the second out, getting an infield pop-up before senior outfielder Caleb Baker was able to drive in two runs. Baker singled to right field, plating sophomore shortstop Brett Marr and Burns.
 
Baker led the Hawks' hitting attack going 1-for-3 with two RBI. David Stober, Nick Pascuzzi, Seth Soto, Dalton Thompson, Burns and Marr each added one hit apiece to total seven hits on the day. Right-handed pitcher Miles Kilgore received the loss and moves to 0-2.
 
Twentry-six Rockhurst players participated in the non-conference matchup as the Hawks sent seven pitchers to the mound to get work in. Rockhurst (11-9, 4-4 GLVC) returns to action this weekend as they take on Quincy, in a four-game series, Saturday & Sunday (March 28 & 29) at home. Both days will begin at noon.
 
All Rockhurst games this weekend will be broadcast on the All-Access Hawks Network. It is still to be determined whether the games will be video or audio-only broadcasts. Tune in to the pre-game show 20 minutes before each game and listen to the short postgame show after the game to hear the final stats and the Hawks' Player of the Game. Listen live to the broadcast here.