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ORANGE, Calif. - Eight errors. Had it not been for the miscues, McMurry could have likely started the season 1-0 against the No. 2 team in the nation. However, the Panthers from Chapman University took advantage of McMurry's mistakes and won 14-12 Friday at Hart Park. Mike Vass scored on a McMurry error to break a 12-12 tie in the seventh inning and the Panthers added one more run in the eighth to seal the victory.
Preseason all-American Derek David started out the season well for McMurry with a solo home run in his first at bat. Then, McMurry added two runs on a Gerad Morris double in the second inning to help the visitors take a 3-0 advantage early.
However, in the bottom of the sixth, Chapman posted six runs due in part to two McMurry errors. The Panthers added three more runs in the next two innings and led 9-4 heading into the top of the fifth inning.
Then, McMurry exploded for an eight-run fifth inning where senior catcher Thomas Beckham hit a grand slam and McMurry's other preseason all-American Brent Voorhees added a 2-run shot down the left field line. After the top of the fifth, McMurry had re-gained a 12-9 lead.
For Beckham, it was his first home run in a very long time. He didn't hit a homer in his high school career, his two years in junior college, or his first year with McMurry. However, the senior from Ennis made his first one count clearing the bases with a deep fly to left centerfield.
Unfortunately for McMurry, it couldn't hold on to its lead; Chapman responded with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and later scored one run in each of the last three innings while keeping McMurry scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
The Panthers' Ryan Clear gave up all McMurry's runs, however, once McMurry got past the starter, the visitors were unable to figure out either of Chapman's relievers as Adam Kordich and Kurt Yacko combined to keep McMurry scoreless the final four innings.
Clint Johnston threw the first four innings for McMurry surrendering 10 runs, however, only two were charged as earned runs. Adrian Gaona was charged with the loss in his first appearance as a McMurry baseball player and Aaron Wood closed the game giving up one unearned run in the eighth inning. Yacko picked up the victory on the mound for Chapman.
The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon with two nine-inning contests in order.
