HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston offense dominated the middle innings and exploded for 13 runs to even the season-opening series with Missouri State with a 13-4 win over the Bears on Saturday night at Don Sanders Stadium. 

The Bearkat (1-1) offense had their way with the Missouri State pitching staff, drawing seven walks and delivering 13 hits – seven for extra bases – in an effort led by senior Hunter Autrey's 5-RBI night. The Kats' first baseman reached base in each of his first four plate appearances of the night and delivered the game's big swing with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to snap an early 2-2 deadlock.  

Brady Christensen reached base four times as well, becoming the first Kat since 2021 to record three doubles in a single game. Ryan Franden also delivered two hits and two RBI, while Chris Benavidez delivered a 2-run blast to right field in the eighth inning to top off the scoring. 

Sam Houston handed the ball to freshman Tate Hickman for his first start and he responded with a solid night, allowing a pair of runs in the first and fifth before exiting with 4.1 innings and six strikeouts to his ledger. He took a no-decision, while reliever Garrett Baumann earned his first win with three punchouts in 2.2 scoreless frames, leading the way for a 3-pitcher bullpen effort which did not allow a hit or a run in the final 4.2 innings. 

Missouri State starter Jackson Holmes recorded five strikeouts, but was saddled with the loss after the Kats tagged him for six runs in 3.1 innings. He was the first of six Bear arms to trek to the bump. 

UP NEXT 
The Kats and Bears will close the series on Sunday with a noon first pitch at The Don. The game can be heard online via the Bearkat Sports Network.