PITTSBURG -- Andrew Branson's bases loaded infield hit scored Rickey Sanchez with the go-head run in the bottom of the eighth inning to help propel the Pittsburg State University baseball team to an 8-7 win over Missouri University of Science & Technology Wednesday (Mar. 5) at Al Ortolani Field.

The Gorillas (12-3) led 6-1 early in the game but the visiting Miners (6-3) battled back to knot the score at 7-7 in the top of the eighth inning.

Sanchez was hit-by-pitch with one out in the bottom of the pivotal eighth inning to start Pitt State's scoring rally. Dagen Brewer and Kadyn Williams followed with back-to-back walks to load the bases for Branson. Branson then hit a chopper against a drawn in Miners defense, that third baseman Tyler Prince couldn't field cleanly as Sanchez scooted home on the play.

Brady Pacha, the last of eighth Pitt State pitchers to throw in the game, slammed the door on MST in the top of the ninth to save the game for reliever Cooper Crouch (1-1).

Brewer homered and scored twice in the contest. Alex Rodgers and Sanchez also scored two runs apiece. Williams and Branson each had two RBI on the day.

Pitt State will travel to Edmond, Okla., for a three-game MIAA series against the University of Central Oklahoma starting Friday.