Point Lookout, Mo. – March 24, 2026 – The Mission Patriots earned a split in a non-conference doubleheader against College of the Ozarks, using late-game execution to win the opener before falling in a close second game.

Pregame

Mission hit the road looking to carry momentum from a strong conference showing into a non-conference matchup. Facing a doubleheader in Point Lookout, the Patriots aimed to stay sharp ahead of returning to conference play.

Game 1 – Mission 4, College of the Ozarks 1

Game 1 was a tightly contested pitcher's duel early, with both teams held in check through much of the game.

College of the Ozarks struck first in the third inning on a sacrifice fly, taking a 1-0 lead that held deep into the game.

Mission finally broke through in the seventh inning when Sam Golden launched a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1.

The Patriots took full control in the eighth inning. Collin Miser delivered a clutch two-RBI single to score Zachary Beatty and Drew Vaughan, giving Mission a 3-1 lead. Later in the inning, Mission added an insurance run on a fielder's choice to extend the lead to 4-1.

On the mound, Mission's bullpen was dominant. Zach Still earned the win with three shutout innings, and Garrett Hunter closed it out for the save. The pitching staff combined to allow just four hits in the victory.

Game 2 – College of the Ozarks 6, Mission 5

Mission found itself in an early hole in Game 2, as College of the Ozarks capitalized on defensive miscues to score four runs in the second inning.

The Patriots chipped away, getting on the board in the fourth with a sacrifice fly from Collin Miser, then adding another run in the fifth on an RBI double from Zachary Beatty.

Mission put together its biggest push in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to tie the game at 5-5. The rally included RBI plays from Carter Vienhage, Ryan Free, and Drew Vaughan, taking advantage of errors and timely hitting.

With the game tied late, College of the Ozarks delivered the decisive blow in the eighth inning with an RBI single to retake the lead.

Mission was unable to respond in the final frame, falling just short in a 6-5 loss.

Stat Leaders (Mission – Doubleheader)

Drew Vaughan – 4 hits, RBI, multiple runs scored
Sam Golden – HR, 2 RBI (Game 1)
Collin Miser – 3 hits, 3 RBI
Zachary Beatty – multiple hits, RBI, extra-base hit
Ryan Free – 2 hits, RBI

Pitching highlights:
Zach Still – 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER (Win, Game 1)
Garrett Hunter – Save (Game 1)

Series Notes

• Mission won Game 1 with a late rally in the final two innings
• The Patriots outscored Ozarks 9-7 across the doubleheader
• Mission recorded 15 total hits in the two games
• Game 2 featured a three-run comeback inning to tie the game
• The bullpen delivered four shutout innings in Game 1

Postgame

Mission showed resilience throughout the doubleheader, particularly with its ability to respond late in both games. The Patriots executed in high-pressure moments in the opener and nearly completed another comeback in Game 2.

Despite the split, Mission demonstrated consistency at the plate and strong bullpen performance, continuing to build momentum as conference play resumes.

Next Up

Mission returns home to Ozark, Missouri for a three-game conference series against Central Baptist College:

• Friday, March 27 – 2:00 PM
• Saturday, March 28 – 12:00 PM
• Saturday, March 28 – 2:30 PM

The Patriots will look to carry their energy back home as they continue conference competition.