With two hits Wednesday, freshman Ryan Smith has hit a cool .400 since being promoted to the Owls' starting line-up. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

The Owls out-hit the visitors, 7-6, but stranded 13 runners on base -- twice leaving the sacks packed.

"I really applaud the guys' effort," remarked Marshall head coach Ian Verts. "They just struggled getting runners in."

Further, the Owls' habitual defensive problems gave away a critical run in the first inning. Senior Chris Fletcher reached base on a boot to begin the game, and came in on a two-out miscue. Marshall went the rest of the way without an error, senior Michael Sartor handling his last five chances flawlessly, but damage had been done.

Senior Josh Glassmaker doubled to begin the Owls' half of the first, but was abandoned on third base. Marshall loaded the bases in both the second and third without scoring before finally tying the game in the fourth, which began with a triple by senior Ethan Williams -- who came in on the back end of a double-steal.

The Spartans went back in front in the fifth. Senior Trey Barrow stroked a two-out single, advanced to second base on a balk and came around on junior Kyle Huffman's single.

Barrow made that lead stand up, although he surrendered singles to freshman Ryan Smith, senior Tyler Smith and sophomore Nathan Cato in the bottom of the fifth.

The Owls had their last chance in the seventh, which began with a free pass to Sartor. He was forced out at second base on Ryan Smith's grounder, but Tyler Smith was plunked to put the tying run in scoring position. However, a pop-up and strikeout ended the game.

Barrow had three hits, besides throwing the complete game, for Moberly (5-4, 3-2 NCMC).

Ryan Smith had two hits and senior Michael Crim went the distance on the mound for Marshall, which had today's schedule make-up game at Helias wiped out by rain -- as was the case Tuesday.

The Owls are scheduled to play at Jefferson City on Friday.