JOPLIN, Mo. --- A late push fell short for the Washburn Ichabod baseball team on Friday, dropping the series opener to Missouri Southern, 4-3, in Joplin.
 
Trailing 4-0, the Ichabods cut the deficit in half with a two-run fifth. Brady Hoover began the inning with a lead-off walk before Steven Jacobson drew a six-pitch walk. Mitchell Lady then advanced the duo with a sacrifice bunt down the first base line. Peter Shearer then came through driving in both base runners with a double to right center.
 
Washburn then pulled another run closer in the sixth as Hoover pushed Xavier De Leon across, making it 4-3, after reaching on triple to begin the inning.
 
A double and two-run home run allowed Missouri Southern claim a 3-0 lead in the first before scratching another run across in the third.
 
Washburn starter Josh Ramirez (2-2) was dealt the loss after throwing 6 1/3 innings, with four runs on eight hits while also recording seven strikeouts. Reliever Brandon Gabler was solid in his appearance, holding the Lions hitless and scoreless for the final 1 1/3 innings.
 
The Ichabods will try bounce back on Saturday when they return for game two of the series. First pitch is slated for 1 pm.