Revenge is a dish best served with a red-hot start. The Missouri Southern Lions baseball team avenged an earlier loss to their MIAA archrival, the No. 5 ranked Pittsburg State Gorillas, with a thrilling 14-12 victory on Tuesday. This wasn't just any win; it was a statement victory that showcased the Lions' explosive offense and resilience, marking their 13th win in the last 15 games.

The tone was set immediately. The Lions' disciplined approach at the plate forced Pittsburg State into a staggering nine pitching changes, starting before a single out was recorded in the first inning. By capitalizing on walks and timely hits, Missouri Southern built a commanding 8-0 lead by the end of the third, putting their rivals on their heels early.

However, a top-5 team doesn't go down quietly. Pitt State roared back, highlighted by a six-run fifth inning, slowly chipping away at the deficit. The Lions' three errors gave the Gorillas life, and a late surge saw a 14-7 lead shrink to 14-12 in the ninth inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, the tension was palpable, but Missouri Southern held firm, securing the final out to seal a hard-fought rivalry win.

The offensive heroes were clear. Jacob Filip and Jake Leeker powered the Lions' lineup, combining for 8 of the team's 14 RBI. Filip was nearly perfect, going 4-5 with 3 RBI, while Leeker delivered a 3-6 performance that included a home run and 5 RBI. This victory proves that when you start fast and finish strong, even the toughest rivals can be overcome.