The Lindenwood baseball team defeated Missouri Western on Saturday night by a 3-2 margin after a walk-off double by Wes Degener scored the game-winning run at the Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles, Mo.
 
Blake Beckmann had a strong outing after going eight innings as he struck out five batters, allowed just two runs, and surrendered five hits to keep the Lions in the game.  Degener had three hits on the night including two doubles, two RBI, and covered ground at key situations in the outfield.  Paul Sherwood drove in a run on a sacrifice fly and scored the game-winner in the ninth inning.
 
Missouri Western picked up a run in the first inning and another in the third inning after a fielding error by the Lions.  Sam Baxter hit a double down the left field line to start the fifth inning and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Sherwood to cut the deficit to 2-1.  Baxter again reached base in the seventh inning after being hit by a pitch.  Degener drove in Baxter on a double that just stayed in play down the right field line to tie the game at 2-2.
 
Connor Law pitched a scoreless ninth to keep the game even and a chance for the Lions to win the game in the final inning.  Sherwood hit a single just past the first baseman in the bottom of the ninth to put the winning run on first base with one out.  Degener took the first pitch of his at-bat deep to right center which allowed Sherwood to score, giving the Lions a 3-2 victory on Saturday night.
 
Lindenwood improves to 17-14 on the year and 10-9 in the MIAA while the Griffons fall to 15-14 on the season and 12-7 in conference play.  The Lions will play their final game of the series against Missouri Western on Sunday at 12 p.m. as Lindenwood will also honor its alumni at the Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles, Mo.