BATESVILLE, Ark.- The threat of inclement weather throughout Missouri stalled the annual NAIA Preview hosted in Joplin. Instead, the Owls (6-4) traveled to NCAA DIII opponent Lyon college for a double header against the Scots (1-1) in Batesville.
Lyon, a former AMC foe, opened the season with this last-minute addition as the NCAA opening weekend for baseball and softball started Thursday night.
"I felt like our guys battled all day in another cold day of baseball," said Head Coach John Cavness. "I think as of right now, we should feel fortunate to play as many teams had to cancel their weekend slate of games due to the weather. I thought the guys played well today against a well-respected Lyon team. Justin does a great job with his team carrying the long-lasting tradition of Lyon Baseball."
William Woods turned to veteran southpaw Peyton Clampitt on the mound to shut down the Lyon offense who finished third in the SLIAC in 2024. The Owls were able to scratch across two runs in the top of the third inning off of the Scot ace. William Woods would return the two runs in the following frame leaving the game tied at two until the top of the eighth inning.
The Owls scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Both runs came on bases loaded walks. In total, the Woods tallied 11 walks in game one of the double header. Peyton Clampitt held Lyon to only five hits on the day while tallying 12 strikeouts over his seven innings of work. It would be senior right-hander Carson Prescott who closed out the game for the Owls, pitching the bottom of the eighth inning and cementing a 4-1 Owls win.
The Scots would tally the first run of the game in bottom of the first when a leadoff walk was brought home on a sacrifice bunt by Lyon's #5 hitter Marcotte. Lyon was able to tack on three more runs in the bottom of the third inning increasing their lead to four runs.
The Owls were held off the board until the bottom of the sixth when the offense erupted for 3 runs. Jude Gremillion led off the inning with a loud single into left field. On a 1-1 count, the next hitter, Jackson Kirn, barreled a double into centerfield. Kirn was brought home by Colby Caton. The next Owls hitter, NAIA Ball Hitter of the Week, Kaden Kinlser, doubled into right field trading places with Kirn who was at second base. Ryan Retone drove in the last run of the frame on a double to centerfield that scored Kinsler. In total Woods launched three doubles in the inning, scoring three runs.
William Woods threatened to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning. Gremillion earned a walk, followed by back-to-back singles from Jackson Kirn and Colby Caton. Despite having ducks on the pond, the Owls were not able to tie the game, falling to the Scots 4-3.
Woods is back in action next weekend as they open AMC Conference play with a trip to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to take on the Eagles of Williams Baptist.
