Box Score HANNIBAL, Mo. - Despite a great outing by Max Benton tallying 11 Ks and scattering four hits over his eight and a third innings of work, William Woods (13-15-1, 0-1 AMC) dropped the series opener to Hannibal-LaGrange (6-13, 1-0 AMC) 1-0 on Friday.

Benton started the game strong setting the Trojans down in order during the bottom of the first. The Owls junior was electric only allowing one hit in his first six innings of work.

The Trojans hurler Adam Lange matched Benton pitch for pitch through eight innings of work, striking out seven and only allowing six hits.

WWU's offense was stagnant throughout the game as they fanned seven times to their six hits, two of which came in the ninth inning. Offensive production for Woods was sparked by Jacob McWhirter who went 2-4 on the day with a one-out double in the ninth inning. Following up McWhirter's double, catcher Kamron Morris barreled a ground ball through the middle infield, though moot as the Owls were held scoreless after a hard ground ball to the shortstop and a strikeout.

In the bottom of the ninth Hannibal led off the inning with a pinch hit single by Samuel Patterson, followed by a HBP when Benton plunked center fielder Mason Tharp. Benton was able to face the pressure as he forced Trojan slugger Isaiah Hoelscher to pop up to center field; however, it was deep enough that Patterson was able to tag up at second base and advance to third. The next hitter, starting pitcher Lange, would even the count at 1-1 before smacking a hard ground ball past the diving glove of shortstop Taylor Hopkins to win the game 1-0.

Benton finished the game with 8.1 IP, 1 BB, 11 Ks, 4 H, 1 ER and received the loss on the day.

Owls are back in action tomorrow at noon with a doubleheader versus HLGU as they look to win their first conference series.