ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University's baseball team worked a little bit longer than normal but, in the end, emerged with an 8-7 win in 10 innings over Sul Ross State University at Walt Driggers Field. It was the seventh-consecutive win for the War Hawks (9-11, 4-0 ASC), who remained unbeaten in the American Southwest Conference West Division.

McMurry started off much like it has in recent games, scoring multiple first inning runs. This time, the War Hawks crossed the plate three times before fans even had time to settle in. Dylan De Leon's two-run triple down the right-field line was the big blow.

After drawing a zero in the top of the first, the Lobos would score in each of the next five innings to take a 7-4 lead after 6 ½ innings.

But back came McMurry in the bottom half of the frame. Shortstop Kory Moench had an RBI single and DeLeon a ground out RBI, to go along with a run on a throwing error by SRSU starting pitcher Anthony Trevino, knotting matters at 7-7.

The Lobos almost ended the game in regulation.  With two out in the top of the ninth and runners on the corners, SRSU's Chris Rubio grounded to first. Dakota Dill tried to come home on the play and McMurry first baseman Matt Thompson fired home to catcher Bradd Baker.

The throw beat Dill, who came in with a hard slide. The 5'5”, 170-lb. Baker appeared to tag Dill a second time. The 6'5”, 220-lb. Dill responded by shoving Baker, causing both benches to briefly empty. Order was quickly restored, and both Dill and Baker were ejected.

After getting the third out, McM stranded Brian Durst at second after a two-out double to send the game to the extra inning.

McMurry reliever Deen Coleman kept the Lobos at bay in the top of the tenth.

In the bottom half of the inning, Moench laced a one-out single through the left side and went to second after a sacrifice bunt. With Nick Marsh at the plate, a wild pitch moved Moench to third base.

With the count at 2-1, Marsh slapped the next offering from Sul Ross reliever Ray Guittierez into left-center field to drive home Moench with the winning run.

Between them, McMurry's “M & M” combo – Marsh and Moench – accounted for seven of their team's 15 hits in the game. Marsh went 3-for-5 and Moench 4-for-5 at the plate.

Designated hitter Connor Griffith went 2-for-5 as the only other War Hawk with multiple hits.

Coleman got the win with two innings of scoreless relief, booking three strikeouts and one walk. Fellow reliever Caleb Gonzales preceded Coleman with two scoreless innings of his own.

After two successive complete game wins, McM starter Spencer Smith was tagged for seven earned runs – giving up nine hits – in six compete innings.

The same two teams will complete the series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.