CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 10 Rogers State Baseball's (40-15) historic season came to an end against Central Missouri (37-15) with a final score of 8–3 on Saturday at RCB Bank Sports Complex in the NCAA Division II Central Regional.
Central Missouri took an early advantage in the first inning, scoring an unearned run on a sacrifice bunt by Cole Funkhouser, giving it a 1–0 lead. RSU responded in the second inning when
Luis Fuentes delivered a two-RBI double to left field, bringing home
Kade Goeke and
Andrew Ramirez to take a 2–1 lead. The Mules leveled the score at 2–2 when Drew Veatch scored on a throwing error. After three innings, Central Missouri led 3–2.
The sixth inning saw the Mules extend their lead. A balk allowed Cole Funkhouser to score, followed by an RBI single by Drew Veatch. Brock Kobel's two-RBI single capped the four-run inning, putting Central Missouri ahead 7–2. The Hillcats managed to pull one back in the seventh inning when Ramirez singled up the middle to drive in
Jake Mitchell, making the score 8–3.
RSU was unable to close the gap further, as the Mules maintained their 8–3 lead through the end of the game.
Spencer Hatch (4-3) started for the Hillcats, pitching 5.0 innings while allowing six hits and four earned runs, with five strikeouts and two walks over 89 pitches.
Mason Trotter and
Michael Klein followed Hatch in relief.
Dylan Weddle closed the game with 1.0 inning pitched, throwing 13 pitches with eight strikes.
Ramirez collected three hits and scored once, contributing significantly to the team's offense. Fuentes drove in two runs with a double, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Goeke recorded two hits and scored a run, adding to the team's overall performance.
RSU will say goodbye to a host of seniors who have forever etched their names in program history, but at least nine return to the offseason.
Season Highlights
• First 40-win season since 2012
• Earned the No. 2 seed and hosted the NCAA Division II Baseball Central Regional
• Claimed two wins in the NCAA Central Regional
• Second NCAA Tournament appearance in program history
• First NCAA Regional Ranking in program history
• Collected a program-best No. 2 seed in the MIAA Tournament
• Finished a program-best second in the MIAA Regular Season standings
• Recorded a program-best No. 5 ranking in the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Poll
• Notched a program-best No. 6 ranking in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Poll
• Collected a 19-game win streak to tie the school record set in 2011
• Head Coach
Chris Klimas became the all-time winningest coach in the program's history, recorded his 300th career win, was named the 2026 Steve Anson MIAA Baseball Head Coach of the Year and NCBWA Central Region Coach of the Year
• Twelve All-MIAA selections (1 First Team, 4 Second Team, 5 Third Team, 2 Honorable Mention)
•
Zach Horwith named NCBWA Central Region Pitcher of the Week and MIAA Pitcher of the Week
•
Andres Contreras named MIAA Hitter of the Week
To keep up with all things RSU Baseball, visit
Baseball - Rogers State University Athletics.
