UCM Defeats ESU, 12-4, to Advance at Regional

WARRENSBURG, Mo. (UCM Media Relations) -- Top-seeded Central Missouri built an early lead for a second straight game and advanced to the championship semifinal round of the South Central Regional with a 12-4 victory over Emporia State on Friday at Crane Stadium-Tompkins Field.

Tyler Ruch had four hits and drove in four runs to lead the Mules' 13-hit attack, while Jon Wegener drove in three runs and Chance Tuttle had three hits and scored three runs. Aaron Brett allowed only two hits over six scoreless innings of relief to earn his fourth win of the season.

The Mules, ranked third again in the NCAA Division II Poll, are now 49-8 with a Saturday date against the winner of the final game of the day Friday featuring second-seeded Abilene Christian and fourth-seeded Incarnate Word. Saturday's semifinal is scheduled for first pitch at 3:30 p.m.