ABILENE, Texas - The McMurry University baseball team fell short in its rally versus the University of Texas-Dallas, dropping a 13-9 non-conference decision at a wind-blown Walt Driggers Field. The War Hawks fell to 7-17 overall, while the Comets improved to 14-12.
 
McM found itself down 7-0 after the first two innings, all charged to War Hawks' starter Nick Hamel (1-1). Hamel, who also serves as McM's designated hitter, was touched up for five runs in the first frame and then allowed three consecutive singles in the second – adding two more runs – before being lifted. A combination of six additional pitchers followed Hamel to the mound during the game.
 
With winds gusting from 32-38 miles per hour out of the north, the rightfield fence became the victim for four of the combined five home runs hit for the afternoon. What might have been a routine fly ball became an offensive blow, evidenced on the first pitch of the game when UTD's Josh Covey hit a fly to right that just got caught up in the breeze and kep going.
 
McMurry took advantage of the conditions, as well, in the bottom of the second.  With two out, Blaine McRay drew a walk and shortstop Noah Clarkson launched a ball up into the breeze, carrying out for his first homer of the season that made it 7-2.  But the Comets bats – which out-hit McM by a 22-11 margin - kept busy with three runs in the top of the fourth to lead 10-2. 
 
McM's offense – which had just the one hit to its credit through five innings – woke up in a big way in the bottom half of the fifth. Facing UTD reliever Matthew Gonzales, Clarksons popped a solo home run to right with one out. Payton Stokes and Jordan Speck followed with back-to-back singles, with Stokes scoring on Kevin Garza's RBI double to center and Speck stopping at third.
 
Senior Tyler Jenkins then slammed a three-run shot to deep right field – one that didn't need any help from the wind – to cut the deficit to 10-7. Jenkin's round-tripper was his team leading eighth homer of the season.
 
UTD got three of those back in the top of the seventh. McMurry returned the favor with two of their own in the bottom of that inning, thanks to RBI singles by Hamel and Chris Baker, for the 13-9 final.
 
Garza, batting in the leadoff spot, had the big afternoon for the War Hawks. The senior outfielder went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI. Clarkson was 2-for-4 with two runs and three runs batted in, thanks to the pair of long balls.