PITTSBURG -- Brett Macary's sacrifice fly scored Chase Kilgore with the winning run as the Pittsburg State University baseball team plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 5-4 victory over Missouri Southern State University Wednesday (Apr. 27) at Al Ortolani Field.

The visiting Lions (28-16, 18-15 MIAA) took a 4-3 lead in the top of the ninth when Trever Burkdoll belted a two-out solo home run off Pitt State reliever Nick Brandecker (3-4).

The Gorillas (13-29, 8-25 MIAA) rallied in the bottom of the frame though against MSSU reliever Cody Hutchinson (6-5).

Christian Arnold opened the frame with a walk, before Kilgore singled to center field and pinch hitter Chase Cleland added a single through the left side of the infield. Sam Falcon then induced a walk from Hutchinson to force in Arnold with the tying run; and Macary ended the contest with his well hit ball to center field.

MSSU's Payton Walker and Pitt State's George Brandecker battled in a pitcher's duel in the quick-paced contest. Brandecker allowed three runs, only one earned, while registering 11 strikeouts in seven innings of work. Walker also allowed three runs, two earned with five strikeouts in eight innings on the hill.

Chris Hoffman went 3-for-4 with two runs scored for MSSU, which led 3-0 before Pitt State began its rally.

Jack Mercer belted his third home run of the season and went 2-for-4 with two runs scored for the Gorillas. Arnold and Macary also had two hits apiece for Pitt State.

The Gorillas, who took two of three games on the season against the Lions, will now open a three-game MIAA series against Fort Hays State University Thursday (Apr. 28). The two teams will play a single game at 6 p.m. Thursday, followed by a 1 p.m. doubleheader Friday (Apr. 29).