PITTSBURG — Collin Nevil hit a pair of home runs – a two-run shot and a solo homer – to help power the University of Central Missouri baseball team past Pittsburg State University, 7-5, Sunday (Mar. 5).

The Mules (13-3, 5-1 MIAA) took the series over the Gorillas (7-11, 1-5 MIAA) by winning the rubber game Sunday. The two squads split the first two games.

Nevil helped UCM rally from an early 1-0 deficit with a two-run home run in the third inning. He added a solo shot in the sixth that chased PSU starter Dante Richardson (0-1). Richardson allowed just five hits in 5 1/3 innings of work and registered six strikeouts in his first start of the season.

Luke Mercer (2-0) earned the win in relief for the Mules, while Andy Muehlberger recorded the final four outs – three strikeouts – to secure his second save of the season.

Colton Pogue, Hunter Clanin and Logan Terrell each collected two hits for the Gorillas, who capitalized on four UCM errors in the contest. Dallas Reed extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an RBI single in the fifth.

Pitt State will continue its seven-game home stand Wednesday (Mar. 8) when the Gorillas host Rogers State University in a non-conference game at 2 p.m.