A Wet Week: 2013 MSHSAA Baseball State Tournament

Springfield Catholic third baseman Matt Tipton (4) reacts quietly in the dugout after losing the 2013 MSHSAA class 3 championship game against the Fatima Comets at T.R. Hughes Ballpark on May 31, 2013 in O’Fallon, Missouri.

Two weeks ago, the 2013 Missouri high school state baseball tournament got underway at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O’Fallon, Missouri. Unfortunately, as the title of this post suggests, it became known as “wet week in O’Fallon”. In the seven days of the tournament (which was only supposed to last five), we saw more than six inches of rain fall on the field. I helped the amazing grounds crew at the ballpark tarp and de-tarp the field about 15 times over the course of the week, which was a cool and new experience for me. Maybe something to add to the resume down the road perhaps? Either way, I love this week of baseball every year. I get a chance to see the best teams in the state battle it out for the elusive state title. The thing about shooting the state championships is that every photographer is always looking for that ONE emotional shot. The image showing a team either elated or entirely broken. Because of my position with MSHSAA, I am usually the first one on the field and am blessed to have unique access to many shots. Here are a few of my favorite images from the week, but you can see my entire take at the link HERE.

And this is how I felt at the end of the week:

Springfield Cardinals take 3 of 4 from Drillers

The Springfield Cardinals have been continuing their winning ways from last year’s championship season by collecting a hold on first place in the Texas League’s North Division. The Tulsa Drillers, AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, visited Hammons Field to take on the Springfield Cardinals in a four game series. The Cardinals, won three of the four games in front of large crowds each night. One reason for the large crowds was that St. Louis Cardinals first baseman and former Springfield Cardinal, Matt Adams, was in town for a rehab assignment. Also, there was a giveaway featuring the Texas League Championship replica rings, a fan favorite. The Cardinals will host Frisco and Midland next week.

Fans line up outside Hammons Field to receive their 2012 Texas League Championship replica rings prior to a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Adam Melker #4 of the Springfield Cardinals signs autographs for a fan prior to a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Hitting coach Phillip Wellman #30 of the Springfield Cardinals talks with Matt Adams #53 of the St. Louis Cardinals prior to a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. Adams was on a four game rehab assignment in Springfield.

Matt Adams #53 of the St. Louis Cardinals signs autographs for fans prior to a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. Adams was on a four game rehab assignment in Springfield.

Members of the Springfield Cardinals warm up in the dugout prior to a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Ruben Gotay #18 of the Springfield Cardinals makes contact on a pitch during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Jake Lemmerman #23 of the Springfield Cardinals leaps in the air while turning a double play during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Xavier Scruggs #15 of the Springfield Cardinals celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Boone Whiting #21 of the Springfield Cardinals delivers a pitch during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 7, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Jayson Langfels #28 of the Tulsa Drillers flips his bat after striking out during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on May 7, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Joey Wong #1 of the Tulsa Drillers throws to first during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on May 7, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

A general view of Hammons Field during a game between the Tulsa Drillers and Springfield Cardinals on May 7, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Xavier Scruggs #15 of the Springfield Cardinals dives at a line drive during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 7, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Mike O’Neill #7, Chris Swauger #28, and Thomas Pham #27 of the Springfield Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on May 7, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Bears Lose Weekend Series to Shockers

The Wichita State Shockers came into Hammons Field to face off against the Missouri State Bears in a key conference matchup before the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The Bears and Shockers were slotted to play a three game series over the course of an entire weekend, however, poor weather moved into the area and forced one game to be played Saturday, and a double header on Sunday. The Bears went 0-3 against Wichita State, losing 3-2, 11-9, and 3-0.

 

Members of the Missouri State Bears stand outside the dugout prior to a game against the Wichita State Shockers at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Aaron LaBrie #19 of the Wichita State Shockers delivers a pitch during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Eric Cheray #14 of the Missouri State Bears chases a hard hit ground ball during a game against the Wichita State Shockers at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Eric Cheray #14 of the Missouri State Bears hits helmets with Keenen Maddox #1 of the Missouri State Bears after hitting a home run during a game against the Wichita State Shockers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Tanner Dearman #1 of the Wichita State Shockers catches a ball tossed to second base during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Parker Zimmerman #35 of the Wichita State Shockers chases a loose ball during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Eric Cheray #14 of the Missouri State Bears tags a base runner during a game against the Wichita State Shockers at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Tate Matheny #26 of the Missouri State Bears catches a ball in center field during a game against the Wichita State Shockers at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

Tanner Dearman #1 of the Wichita State Shockers fields a line drive towards second base during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on May 5, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

 

Tate Matheny #26 of the Missouri State Bears reacts to a called third strike during a game against the Wichita State Shockers at Hammons Field on May 4, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

 

 

 

 

Senior Session: Anna P.

I have known Anna for several years now and it has been awesome to get to know her and her brother throughout the years. She is one of those people that you love to be around. She has such an awesome personality. It was a beautiful day in Springfield and we made our way to a local park to create some photos for Anna’s senior photos. A huge thanks goes out to Anna and her mom for being troopers during today’s session. Below is just a small selection of the photos from the day.

Panthers win DII National Championship

What a year! I can now say that I have been fortunate enough to document two championships in the same year. I was sent by the Springfield News-Leader to document the Drury Panthers mens basketball team as they made their way to Atlanta, Georgia for the Division II National Championship game. The Drury Athletic Department was very accomodating in getting me the best access they could for their run at the national title.

 This season has been a magical one for the Panthers as they made history throughout the postseason. They have only won one National Championship in their history, in 1979 at the NAIA level. They had never been to an elite eight, final four, or national championship at the DII level. Needless to say, that has changed now.

Drury, a private university with 1,600 students,came to Atlanta to play the Metro State Roadrunner from Denver for the DII mens title. Metro State, a primarily commuter school of about 22,00 students, has a storied history in the postseason and this year was just an extension of just that. The championship game itself was a prime example of what championship games should be like and fortunately for Drury (and my photos) the Panthers would pull out one great game. Check out the NCAA’s highlights to see how this one unfolded in front of a crowd of 7,700, including over 1,300 DU faithful.

Long story short, Drury came back from a 12 point deficit at half, to defeat a team who was 64-4 when leading at the half. The energy in Philips Arena was incredible. Here is part of my take from gameday.

Drury Panthers forward Ian Carter (23) is greeted by cheerleaders prior to the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game between the Metro State Roadrunners and the Drury Panthers at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

A flag is presented during the National Anthem prior to the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game between the Metro State Roadrunners and the Drury Panthers at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Metro State Roadrunners sr. Jonathan Morse (44) and Drury Panthers forward Ian Carter (23) jump for the tipoff during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Members of the Drury Panthers run onto the court prior to the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers guard Alex Hall (33) dribbles up the court during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers hold up signs during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game between the Metro State Roadrunners and the Drury Panthers at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers guard Drake Patterson (11) shoots a three during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers head coach Steve Hesser talks with Drury Panthers guard Brandon Lockhart (21) during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Metro State Roadrunners so. Nicholas Kay (4) attempts to drive past Drury Panthers forward Teddy Simniok (31) during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers guard Brandon Lockhart (21) drives past Metro State Roadrunners sr. Demetrius Miller (24) during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers guard Lonnie Boga (14) lays in a ball during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers forward Cameron Adams (24) grabs a loose ball on the ground during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Members of the Drury Panthers cheer after the Panthers scored during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers fans cheer on the Panthers during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

A Drury Panthers fan cheers on the Panthers during the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers forward Ian Carter (23) embraces assistant coach Brandon Kimbrough after defeating the Metro State Roadrunners in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers forward Ian Carter (23) walks through confetti after defeating the Metro State Roadrunners in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers head coach Steve Hesser celebrates with his team after the Panthers defeated the Metro State Roadrunners in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury Panthers fans celebrates after the Panthers won the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game against the Metro State Roadrunners at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Members of the Drury Panthers hold up the National Championship trophy after defeating the Metro State Roadrunners in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

A member of the Drury Panthers cuts a part of the net after the Panthers beat the Metro State Roadrunners in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

I’d like to thank the Springfield News-Leader for trusting me with such a big assignment and for the hospitality of Drury Athletics, who I have been fortunate enough to spend so much time with over the past week. Congrats to the Drury Panthers on a very successful season!

Members of the Drury Panthers hold up the National Championship trophy after defeating the Metro State Roadrunners in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game at Philips Arena on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Three Days, Seven Games, Little Sleep: The 2013 NCAA D-II Midwest Regionals

In Southwest Missouri, we love our basketball. It doesn’t matter if it is high school, college, or professional, people go crazy for the hoop. So, when the NCAA announced that the Division II Midwest Regional tournament would be held at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on the campus of Drury University, it quickly became big news. Media outlets from around the area began pushing interest in the tournament and the fact that the local team, the Drury Panthers, had gotten the top seed, made the news even bigger. Over the three days of the tournament, I covered seven games, for thirteen clients across the country, met some great players, and got very little sleep. My hat goes off to the staff at Drury for their incredible hospitality and patience. In this image heavy post, I will be posting some of my favorite images from the tournament, so hang on tight.

Day 1: Quarterfinals

Chris Dowe (5) of the Bellarmine Knights drives towards the hoop during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Indianapolis Greyhounds at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (By David Welker/Special to the C-J)

Lawrence Thomas (12) of the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles drives towards the hoop during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Wayne State Warriors at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (By David Welker/For the Courier and Press)

Keith DeWitt (31) of the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles watches free throw attempts during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Wayne State Warriors at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (By David Welker/For the Courier and Press)

Manny Ogunfolu (13) of the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles fights for a rebound during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Wayne State Warriors at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (By David Welker/For the Courier and Press)

Members of the Findlay Oilers cheer prior to the beginning of the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Drury Panthers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/ For the Courier)

Ian Carter (23) of the Drury Panthers signals to the bench during after scoring the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Findlay Oilers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/ For the News-Leader)

Cameron Adams (24) of the Drury Panthers blocks a shot by Jake Heagen (31) of the Findlay Oilers during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/ For the News-Leader)

Aaron Robinson (24) is comforted by Josh Brown (5) of the Findlay Oilers after losing to the Drury Panthers in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/ For the Courier)

Zyggy Riauka (15) of the UW-Parkside Rangers shoots the ball over a Huskies defender during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game against the Michigan Tech Huskies at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the Kenosha News)

Kevin Senechalle (23) of the UW-Parkside Rangers shoots the ball over Ali Haidar (34) of the Michigan Tech Huskies during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 16, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the Kenosha News)

Day 2: Semifinals

Keiston Jones (23) of the Bellarmine Knights grabs a rebound during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game against the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Special to the C-JSpecial to the C-J)

Keiston Jones (23) of the Bellarmine Knights reacts after being run over by Manny Ogunfolu (13) of the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Special to the C-J)

Southern Indiana’s Lawrence Thomas battles with Bellarmine’s Jelani Johnson for a loose ball during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center in Springfield, Missouri, Sunday evening. (David Welker/For the Courier & Press)

Vance Hall (3) and Jelani Johnson (32) of the Bellarmine Knights celebrate after defeating the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Special to the C-J)

Southern Indiana’s Keith DeWitt covers his head with a towel while walking off the floor after losing to the Bellarmine Knights in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center in Springfield, Missouri, Sunday evening. (David Welker/For the Courier & Press)

Ali Haidar (34) of the Michigan Tech Huskies motivates his teammates prior to the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game against the Drury Panthers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Michigan Tech Athletics)

Ian Carter (23) of the Drury Panthers shoots over a Husky defender during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game against the Michigan Tech Huskies at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Kameron Bundy (3) of the Drury Panthers dunks the ball during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game against the Michigan Tech Huskies at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Jordan Chartier (11) of the Michigan Tech Huskies shoots a three during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional semifinal game against the Drury Panthers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 17, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/ Michigan Tech Athletics)

Day 3: Regional Championship

So, I have to stop and explain some things. In the two days prior the crowd at the “O” had seen some great basketball. Every game had some type of exciting element to it. The first game of the tournament was a nail biter as the Bellarmine Knights blew a 17 point lead on U-Indy only to end up winning due to free throws at the end. Ali Haidar of the Michigan Tech Huskies scored 24 points in the first half of the Huskies quarterfinal game against Wisconsin Parkside. Six of the Eight teams in this regional were ranked in the top 25 at one point, and the 8th seed came into the tournament ranked #22. After many close game, it all accumulated to this, the #1 seed, Drury Panthers, would take on the 2011 National Champions, and 2012 semifinalist, the #3 seed Bellarmine Knights for a spot in the Elite Eight. The championship game would bring a capacity crowd to the O’Reilly Family Event Center, and these two teams made it a game to remember. Both teams started off ice cold from the floor. Each team shot less than 40% from the floor in the first half, but Drury would lead the Knights 28-24. Bellarmine would take their first lead of the game, 50-46, after a 13-0 run with 6:50 left to play. But then, Drury’s Alex Hall got hot from three and would hit two 3s to put the Panthers back on top for the rest of the game. The Drury Panthers were going to their first D-II Elite Eight appearance in school history after the 67-61 victory. I try not to get caught up in the emotion when shooting something like this, but I couldn’t help feel proud of the Drury Panthers as the student section rushed the floor.

Ian Cater (23) of the Drury Panthers and Jelani Johnson (32) of the Bellarmine Knights jump for the ball to start off the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Fans raise their hands as Alex Hall (33) of the Drury Panthers shoots a three during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Bellarmine Knights at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury’s Head Coach Steve Hesser talks with his team during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Bellarmine Knights at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Bellarmine’s Vance Hall battles with Drury’s Brandon Lockhart for a loose ball during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Drury Panthers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Special to the C-J)

Bellarmine’s Keisten Jones leaps to lay up the ball during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Drury Panthers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Special to the C-J)

Fans fill the “O’” during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game between the Bellarmine Knights and the Drury Panthers on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Members of the Bellarmine Knights celebrate after a teammate made a three during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Drury Panthers at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/Special to the C-J)

Alex Hall (33) of the Drury Panthers dunks the ball during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Bellarmine Knights at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Ian Carter (23) of the Drury Panthers pumps up the crowd during the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game against the Bellarmine Knights at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury students prepare to rush the court after the Drury Panthers beat the Bellarmine Knights in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

A Drury student jumps onto Ian Carter (23) after the Drury Panthers beat the Bellarmine Knights in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Drury’s Cameron Adams celebrates with fans after defeating the Bellarmine Knights in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Members of the Drury Panthers hold up the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional championship trophy after defeating the Bellarmine Knights in the 2013 Division II Midwest Regional championship game at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on March 19, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. (David Welker/For the News-Leader)

Baseball Bears Sweep Northwestern

Baseball is back! This past weekend, the Missouri State Bears hosted the Northwestern Wildcats for the opening series of the 2013 season. The Bears baseball team is looking very strong thus far in the season, and is sporting a 10-3 record. The Wildcats came into Springfield at 4-2 but after the three game series, Northwestern is now one game below .500. Congratulations to the Baseball Bears, and to the great start of their season.

Members of the Missouri State Bears pray prior to a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Hammons Field on March 8, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Nick Petree (10) of the Missouri State Bears delivers a pitch during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Hammons Field on March 8, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Jack Mitchell (7) of the Northwestern Wildcats dives for a ball hit to left field during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on March 9, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Trevor Stevens (3) of the Northwestern Wildcats makes a diving stop during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on March 8, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Eric Cheray (14) of the Missouri State Bears shows the ball to the umpire after getting the force out at second during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Hammons Field on March 9, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Jack Havey (26) of the Northwestern Wildcats throws to first base during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on March 9, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Walker Moses (10) of the Northwestern Wildcats follows through his swing during a game against the Missouri State Bears at Hammons Field on March 9, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Conor Smith (16) of the Missouri State Bears rounds the bases after hitting a home run during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Hammons Field on March 9, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.

Members of the Missouri State Bears celebrate near home plate after Conor Smith (16) hit a home run during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Hammons Field on March 9, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri.