PITTSBURG -- Drew Bugner and Josh Holmes each smacked two-run home runs to help send the Pittsburg State University baseball team to its ninth straight victory in an 8-5 decision against Missouri Southern State University Wednesday (Apr. 9) at Al Ortolani Field.

The Gorillas, who improved to 27-7 overall and 16-7 in MIAA play, gave head coach Bob Fornelli his 200th victory at Pitt State. Fornelli, a 29-year coaching veteran, became the fourth active NCAA Division II coach to reach 1,100 career wins last week.

Cadyn Castellanos (1-2) limited MSSU (21-15, 14-12 MIAA) to one run over 3.1 innings of relief work. Castellanos relieved emergency starter Elijah Seitz in the fourth inning with the Gorillas trailing 4-3. Seitz was thrust into the start when anticipated starter Brady Pacha was scratched during warmups 15 minutes prior to game time.

Seitz held the Lions scoreless for three innings before running into trouble in the fourth frame. Relievers Braxton Haywood and Cooper Crouch tossed scoreless innings behind Castellanos with Crouch picking up his third save of the season.

Bugner went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double, homer, three runs scored and two RBI. Holmes and Dagen Brewer each had two hits in the contest. Alex Rodgers stole his MIAA-leading 24th base of the season.

The Gorillas will travel to Claremore, Okla., for a three-game MIAA series against Rogers State University beginning Friday.