KIRKSVILLE - Truman State snagged the first two games of a four-game set with Drury on Saturday, defeating Drury 12-10 in the opener and 5-3 in the nightcap of their Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader.

Coach Scott Nasby's Panthers fell to 9-18 overall and 1-5 in the GLVC, while Truman State moved to 12-15 and 4-2 in beating DU for the sixth time in their last eight meetings dating back through last season.

Drury rallied from a 12-5 deficit to score the final five runs in the nine inning opener before coming up just short, taking the loss despite out-hitting the Bulldogs 16-13 in the contest.

That included a 5-for-5 effort at the plate from freshman Ryan Kayhill, who slugged his third homer of the season, scored three times and drove in a pair in the loss. Ryan Wadkins had three hits, scored two and drove home two and Justin Abernathy had two hits and two RBIs for DU.

Ryan Colombo (3-3) took the loss for the Panthers, surrendering nine runs (all earned) in his six innings of work, striking out five and walking four. 

Dave Gambino had four hits and drove home three and Nick Agliolo had four RBIs to lead the Bulldogs in the opener. 

In the nightcap, Truman pulled out of a 3-all tie with a pair of runs in the fourth to go on to the seven-inning triumph. Drury outhit the Bulldogs 11-6 in the second game - and 27-18 for the day - but came up on the short end both times.

Luke Burnidge (1-5) took the loss for the Panthers, allowing six hits and five runs (three earned) while walking six in his five innings of work.

Conner Wilson had three hits, including his third homer of the season, to pace the Panthers, while Kayhill added two more hits to complete a 7-for-8 day at the plate.

The teams will close the four-game set with a noon doubleheader on Sunday.