PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University baseball team made a strong offensive showing on opening day of the 2021 season with a 17-12 non-conference victory over MIAA rival Missouri Western State University Monday (Feb. 22) at Al Ortolani Field.

The Gorillas (1-0) rushed out to a 10-1 lead after four innings of play and held off the Griffons (1-3) down the stretch for the victory.

Newcomer Garrett McGowan homered in each of his first two plate appearances for Pitt State. He added a sacrifice fly and a walk and finished the game 2-for-3 with three runs scored and six RBIs. Ryan Koval also went 2-for-4 with a triple and five RBIs, while Greyson Pinkett and Tyler Henry also homered in the contest. Caleb Carr went 1-for-4 with four runs scored.

David Henderson (1-0) won the game by predetermination. He allowed one run and two hits through 3.0 innings of work, registering five strikeouts. Four Pitt State relievers – Caleb Rogge, Jarret Dotson, Bennett Scherer and Dawson Pomeroy – covered the final 6.0 innings of work.

The Gorillas will return to action at 2 p.m. (CST) Tuesday (Feb. 23) when they host MIAA rival Northwest Missouri State University in a non-conference tilt. The Bearcats will face Minot State University earlier in the day at 11 a.m.