Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Senior Alex Sosa struck out seven in eight innings and Nebraska-Kearney erupted for four runs in the seventh to rally past Missouri Southern State, 5-2, Thursday night at Memorial Field.

This was the start of a four-game MIAA series. UNK (28-16, 22-15) is now in fourth place in the league standings; the top four teams host a three-game MIAA Tournament series next week.

However, Missouri Western State (20-14), Washburn (21-15) and Southwest Baptist (20-15) are just percentage points behind the Lopers and each has four games to play this weekend.

A second-year Loper from Miami, Sosa was locked in battle with Southern's David Reese. Scatting six hits and a walk, Sosa shut out the Lions (23-24,16-21) in his last four innings.

Reese (4-6) came in with a 2.26 ERA and showed why, fanning six and walking just one in seven full innings. Over the first six innings, he only gave up two hits, one being a solo homer by sophomore right fielder Anthony Pacheco (Kearney Catholic H.S.).

In the Loper seventh, senior left fielder Jayke Brocke (Grand Junction, Colo.) reached via infield error and then moved to third on a solid double to left by freshman shortstop Josh Kiger (Papillion-LaVista South H.S.).

After Reese got a come backer, freshman third baseman Brent Kirsch (Papillion-LaVista South H.S.) delivered a two-run single up the middle that just got past the drawn-in Southern infield.

Junior leadoff hitter Brandon Landanger (2 for 4) then provided some insurance with a high home run, his fifth of the year, to right.

North Platte sophomore Joe Smidt worked a scoreless ninth to record his 10th save, one off the school record set by Jake Kresse three years ago.

The two teams play a double header tomorrow beginning at 3:00 p.m.