PITTSBURG -- The Pittsburg State University baseball team plated runs in seven consecutive innings to roll to a 22-3 victory over Arkansas Tech Univerity in the first round of the NCAA Division II Central Regional Thursday (May 14).
The Gorillas (44-9) now advance to the winner's bracket where Pitt State will meet the winner of a first round match-up between Northwest Missouri State University and Augustana University Friday (May 15) at 6 p.m. (CDT) at Al Ortolani Field.
Cooper Wesslund, who was named the D2 National Hitter of the Week earlier today for his play in the 2026 MIAA Baseball Championship, went 3-for-5 with a triple, home run and six RBI to lead Pitt State's 21-hit offensive attack against ATU (35-21).
Andrew Branson also had a pair of hits, including a two-run homer, and five runs driven in, while
Eric Bacon went 4-for-5 with a double, home run and three RBI.
Landon Bruce also enjoyed a four-hit day with a pair of doubles and two RBI.
Bradyn McClure (6-0) remained undefeated on the season. The pitched into the seventh inning, allowing four hits and two runs in 6.1 innings of work. He issued three walks and fanned five batters. Three relievers -
Ryan Leiker,
Ethan Froud and
Cross Dowd - combined to record the final eight outs.
