Missouri State baseball swept out of MVC Tournament as Keith Guttin heads into retirement
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — An elimination loss on Wednesday afternoon marked the end of Missouri State baseball's season and the end of an era for the program under beloved head coach Keith Guttin.
Missouri State was swept out of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament after a 6-4 loss to Belmont (26-31, 12-15) at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville, Indiana.
The Bears (23-34, 11-16) now head into an offseason in which the storied program will name its third head coach in its history. Barring any late changes, associate head coach Joey Hawkins is expected to be promoted to fill Guttin's void.
Guttin heads into retirement after 42 seasons as the Bears' skipper. He's the 12th all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. He compiled 1,396 victories, 21 conference titles, 12 NCAA Regional appearances, three NCAA Super Regionals and a trip to the 2003 College World Series.
Missouri State baseball made too many little league-like mistakes
The Bears provided a few head-scratching moments in the field and the Bruins took advantage.
Five of Belmont's first six runs were unearned with the Bears recording three errors in the first four innings. Multiple runs were scored via wild pitches or throwing errors. Others came across after errors put runners in scoring positions earlier in innings.
More: Missouri State celebrates Keith Guttin and the baseball family he created
Caden Bogenpohl, Cody Kelly, Nick Rodriguez led the way for Missouri State's offense
MSU's two most consistent bats in the two days at the MVC Tournament continued to provide the offense for the Bears, keeping them within striking distance.
Nick Rodriquez hit a two-run homer in the top of the third. Caden Bogenpohl doubled in two of his first three at-bats but didn't reach home plate.
Cody Kelly went 2 for 3, including a two-run single in the fourth. He was on base for the Rodriquez homer.
Missouri State left the bases loaded in the seventh
Down 6-4, the Bears had their biggest opportunity of the afternoon but couldn't capitalize. They left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh when they were juiced with one out in the inning.
Back-to-back strikeouts ended the inning after Belmont turned to the second pitcher out of its bullpen. Dylan Leach watched the third strike go past him while Zack Stewart swung and missed with the count full.
More: What Keith Guttin means to Missouri State baseball and the many lives he's touched
The top of Missouri State's order couldn't make anything happen in the ninth
Still trailing by two, the top of Missouri State baseball's lineup went down in order, ending the season.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State baseball falls to Belmont in MVC Tournament
