Justin Paulsen went 3 for 4 with 3 RBI and Missouri State (7-1) used an eightrun fourth inning to defeat Arkansas State University at Tomlinson Stadium in Jonesboro.
The Bears took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an Aaron Meyer sacrifice fly, then added two more runs in the third inning on a two-run double by Jake Burger down the left-field line. That set the stage for Missouri State’s big fourth inning, as all eight runs came with two outs. Three scored on bases-loaded walks and Paulsen had a two-run single, while Drew Millas and Meyer added RBI singles.
Paulsen added an RBI double in the seventh inning for Missouri State, which hosts the University of Central Arkansas for a weekend series starting Friday. Hunter Steinmetz scored in the fifth when Jeremy Eierman reached on a fielder’s choice.
ASU (6-4) managed five hits and left 10 runners on base. Leadoff hitter Drew Tipton was 2 for 3 and was the only Red Wolves player with multiple hits.
Starter Zachary Patterson (1-1) took the loss after allowing 9 runs — 5 earned — on 2 hits with 6 walks, 4 strikeouts and 2 hit batters in 3 2/3 innings.