ABILENE, Texas – Junior starting pitcher Jack Poe threw seven scoreless innings and McMurry University Baseball held off a ninth inning Schreiner University rally to earn an 8-5 victory in its season opener at Walt Driggers Field Friday afternoon.

Poe, named to the American Southwest Conference Preseason Watch List, proved he was worth of the accolades with his performance on the mound. He allowed four hits and three walks while striking out five over his seven innings of work.  He was efficient, as well, needing just 81 pitches.

The War Hawks (1-0) opened up the scoring with three runs in the fourth with RBI singles by catcher Blaine McRay and second baseman Jordan Speck. McMurry also added a run on a double play.

McMurry would tack on three more in the fifth, starting with an RBI single by sophomore first baseman Nick Hamel. After a sacrifice fly, McRay drove in Hamel with a single for his second RBI of the game.

In the seventh the War Hawks added a pair of insurance runs on singles by freshman third baseman Derek Hostas and senior second baseman Jordan Speck.

Schreiner went to its bench in the ninth inning, pinch hitting for seven of its starters as the Mountaineers (0-1) batted around to score five runs. Hamel came on in relief to get the final two outs and the save, but not before Schreiner brought the eventual go-ahead run to the plate.

McRay led the War Hawks at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBIs. Hamel and junior designated hitter Sam Hillyer each had two runs and an RBI, as well. Nine War Hawks collected hits, led by senior leftfielder Matthew Chalk with three.

Both teams will be back at it tomorrow at Walt Driggers Field for a doubleheader with first pitch at 1 p.m.