OZARK, Mo.— The Drury Panthers opened the 2022 season and swept Fort Hays State, winning game one 10-4 and the second game 13-0.
 
Drury took a 3-1 lead in game one of the doubleheader on a three-run home run by Nikko Calabro. The Panthers added three more runs in the second, highlighted by a solo homer by Kaden Helsel. Calabro added another home run in the game and finished with five runs batted in. Drury also got homers in the game from Stephen Randazzo and Wes Collins.
 
Three Drury pitchers combined to shut out Fort Hays State, allowing just two hits in a seven-inning second game. Cody Bahl (1-0) got the win going five innings, allowing only one hit with five walks and seven strikeouts. Calabro went 4 for 5 in the second half with three runs, an RBI, a double and a triple. Helsel was 2 for 3 with three RBI's and a double.
 
"When you are able to get ahead and play with a lead, it makes each play a little more enjoyable and it was great to be able to do that today," said Drury head coach Scott Nasby. "The only thing to nitpick was that we walked too many guys, but we didn't give up many runs. Our offense and defense were strong. We got a good start from Cody Bahl and our relievers pitched well."
 
The Panthers opened the year 2-0, while Fort Hays State fell to 0-6.
 
The two teams will continue their four-game series with a doubleheader on Sunday, starting at noon. Saturday's game was pushed to Sunday due to cold temperatures. 
 
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