Senior Mike Sartor had two hits, driving in the Owls' only run, during a 3-1 loss at Jefferson City. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Marshall baseball team's pitching and defense were good enough to win Friday at Jefferson City, but the sticks had a hard time getting together during a 3-1 non-conference loss to the Jays.

The Owls out-hit Jefferson City, 6-4, but left nine runners on base -- seven in scoring position -- as hard-luck junior right-hander Cory McComas dropped his fourth decision.

The Jays opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning, after Marshall had squandered the opportunity created when two runners got into scoring position with one out. Sophomore Jeremy Geist singled with one out and reached second base on a passed ball. Senior Austin Clayton singled, sending Geist to third base -- from where he scored on senior Kyle Copeland's sacrifice fly.

The Owls got the run back in the top of the third, which began with senior Josh Glassmaker drawing a walk. Two outs later, Glassmaker was third and senior Mike Sartor singled him in.

A walk, hit batter and junior Eli Beck's single loaded the bases with none out in the Jeff City half of the third. One run came in on a booted grounder and Geist's roller to shortstop made gave the Jays a two-run lead.

Junior Adam Replogle made it stand, pitching out of jams in the fourth and sixth innings.

Marshall threatened in the seventh, with freshman John Lozano getting a two-out single.

Senior Kodi Phillips was plunked and Sartor singled on the first pitch offered by freshman reliever Paul McMahon, but Phillips was called out on runner's interference to end the game.

Replogle allowed only five hits in six and two-thirds innings for the Jays (4-7).

Sartor and freshman Ryan Smith each had a pair of safeties for Marshall (2-8), which hosts Fulton for an NCMC clash Tuesday.