JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Laban Petzoldt hit a two-run homer, but the Lincoln baseball team dropped a 14-6 decision to Fort Hays State on Saturday (March 26).

Fort Hays State (13-14, 7-9 MIAA) took a 7-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second inning, but Pezoldt's hit helped Lincoln (1-25, 0-16 MIAA) close the gap down to three. The frame began with Mason Price and Jackson Walker each being issued walks. A passed ball later allowed Price to score while Zach Anderson drove in Jackson Walker with a double. That brought up Petzoldt, who made it a 7-4 ballgame with his hit over the left centerfield wall.

FHSU added runs in each of the next two frames, and ultimately took a 14-4 lead with a two-run shot of its own in the top of the seventh inning. The Blue Tigers scored the game's final two runs, beginning in the bottom of the seventh, with Dillon Walker hitting a double. After a passed ball allowed him to reach third, Mike Million hit a bunt and Fort Hays State tried to keep Dillon Walker from scoring. He broke out of a run down situation, however, and managed to get across the plate for LU's fifth run of the afternoon.

In the eighth inning, a pair of base hits by Anderson and Petzoldt set up Lincoln's final run. An error allowed Anderson to get to third base and, two at-bats later, Nick Lovell drove him in with a base hit through the middle.

Lincoln's pitching rotation combined for 10 strikeouts in the game, including five by reliever Cameron Massman. Trevor Schnieders, who started on the mound, fanned two while Kolton Clark registered three strikeouts. Tyler Roberts closed the game and did not allow a hit.

Petzoldt went 3-for-4 at the plate while Anderson was 2-for-4. Defensively, Alex Ludwick led Lincoln with 10 putouts while Anderson had six. Lovell finished with three assists while Petzoldt was next with two.

The Blue Tigers will be back on their home field on Wednesday (March 30) as Lincoln hosts Southwest Baptist for a mid-week MIAA contest. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CDT.