MARSHALL - The Fulton Hornets began the seventh inning trailing by eight runs. Ten batters later, they had the tying run on base.
The Marshall Owls halted Fulton's improbable rally, holding on for an 8-6 victory Tuesday to complete the season sweep in North Central Missouri Conference action.
Fulton was held hitless through the first five innings. David Gibson broke up the no-hitter with a leadoff single, followed by another single from Owen Uhls.
Fulton's first seven batters in the top of the seventh reached base, five by walk. Curtis Humphreys hit a bases-clearing double to make the score 8-6.
The Hornets had two on with two outs, but both runners were stranded in scoring position when an infield pop-up ended the game.
Marshall scored in each of the first three innings, building a 7-0 lead. The Owls added another run in the bottom of the sixth to stretch their lead to eight runs.
Fulton ended the game with four hits. Josh Dunmire came off the bench and hit a single in the seventh.
Dustin Hagens took the loss for the Hornets. In 2 innings, he allowed seven runs (five earned) on six hits with nine walks and three strikeouts.
Allen Walker and Ryan Newman combined to throw 49 pitches in 3 innings of relief, each striking out one batter.
Jack Huston hit a solo home run for Marshall (5-1, 2-0 NCMC).
Fulton (2-7, 0-3 NCMC) continues conference play Thursday at Mexico.