Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney baseball team pounded out 17 hits, including five doubles and home run, to beat Lindenwood in seven innings, 15-5, Friday afternoon at Memorial Field.
 
The Lopers are now 8-7 and 6-1 in the MIAA with the Lions dropping to 8-7 and 2-5.
 
Eight UNK starters had at least one hit with senior first baseman Connor Messinger (Niwot, Colo.) going 4 for 4 with three runs and two RBI's from the three hole. Three spots lower in the lineup, junior third baseman Brent Kirsch went 4 for 5 with two runs and four RBI's.
 
The Lopers scored in five innings, including four spots in the second and seventh. A five-run fifth featured a two-run shot by Kirsch (Papillion). On the mound, Illinois junior Trey Ertmer is now 3-1 after striking out seven Lions in 6.1 innings. He allowed five earned on two walks and seven hits.
 
Lindenwood did have five homers, including two from cleanup hitter Mike Ehrhard.
 
The three-game series continues tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.