JONESBORO, Ark. (4/15/09) ? The Missouri State Bears (20-14) used a nine-run fourth inning to take command and went on to defeat the Red Wolves (15-20) of Arkansas State 14-2 Wednesday afternoon at Tomlinson Stadium and Kell Field.

Missouri State led 2-0 heading into the fourth after scoring once in the second and again in the third, but used an ASU error and nine hits from 12 MSU batters to build the 11-0 cushion.

The Bears added another run in the sixth before Arkansas State got two runners home in the bottom of the inning to cut the Missouri State lead to 12-2.

Third baseman Guy Brown and first baseman Murray Watts both singled and eventually scored on wild pitches to put the two runs on the board for ASU. 

Missouri State added two runs in the ninth to set the final at 14-2.

Sophomore Drew Benes (3-4) took the loss on the mound for ASU after surrendering six runs on five hits in three and one-thirds innings.  Benes walked one batter and did not record a strikeout.

Sophomore Cody Aycock earned the win for Missouri State, giving up two runs on five hits, with two strikeouts and one walk.

Brown was 3-for-5 and designated hitter Brandon Eller went 2-for-4 to lead ASU at the plate.  Missouri State was led by third baseman Brayden Drake, going 3-for-6 with an RBI.

The Red Wolves will return to action Friday when ASU hosts league-leading Western Kentucky in a three-game Sun Belt Conference series.  Friday's first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

“Western Kentucky is the best team in the league right now,” said ASU Head Coach Tommy Raffo.  “I want to play the best teams and I think we do as a club.  That is how we are going to judge how we are going to be, and where we are going to be with the program.  I think it's important to find the type of people who want to compete against the best teams in the league, and that's what is going to make us better.”