(JOPLIN, Mo., Feb. 19)—The McKendree University baseball team dropped an 18-2 decision to Missouri Southern State University in the Bearcats' 2016 season opener Friday afternoon in Joplin, Mo.
 
The host Lions, ranked No. 15 in the latest Collegiate Baseball poll, built a 14-0 lead after two innings and never looked back to remain perfect on the season at 6-0. McKendree will look to rebound Saturday afternoon against Missouri Southern when the teams meet in a nine-inning contest set for a 2 p.m. start at Warren Turner Field.
 
Freshman infielder Luke Johnson (Barrington, IL/Barrington) and junior infielder Matt Walsh (Wheaton, IL/Wheaton Warrenville South) each had two hits to lead the offense for McKendree. Walsh also drove in both runs on the day for the Bearcats with a pair of run-scoring hits.
 
McKendree plated its first run of the afternoon in the seventh inning. Junior outfielder Grant Anderson (Mackinaw, IL/Deer Creek-Mackinaw) reached on a one-out double down the left-field line. After junior infielder Isaac Fisher (Washington, IL/Washington) was hit by a pitch. Walsh stepped in and delivered an RBI single up the middle to score Anderson with McKendree's first run of the season.
 
In the ninth inning, the first two McKendree batters were retired before Fisher reached on an error. Walsh then ripped a run-scoring double to left-center field to bring home Fisher and cap the scoring on the afternoon.
 
Seven different pitchers saw action on the mound for McKendree. Junior right-hander Terry Deaville (Rantoul, IL/Rantoul) drew the season-opening start and was charged with the loss. Deaville allowed six earned runs on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout in one-plus innings of work.