ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Baseball was swept in an American Southwest Conference doubleheader at Walt Driggers Field Saturday afternoon, falling to University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 6-0 and 20-4.
The War Hawks will seek their first ASC win next weekend when they visit Louisiana College April 5-6.
UMHB 6, McMurry 0
The War Hawks (7-20, 0-12) were held to just two hits in game one, as they were shut out for just the second time this season.
UMHB scored single runs in the first, third, fifth and seventh innings, sandwiched around a two-run sixth inning.
Without a hit heading into the bottom of the seventh, McMurry got back-to-back one-out singles by third baseman Sam Hillyer and designated hitter Justin Kutz. Both advanced on a balk, putting two in scoring position, but the inning ended with a popup and flyout.
Righty J.T. Barnes started on the mound for McMurry, but struggled with his command, issuing eight walks. He allowed just two runs, one earned, on three hits in 3.1 innings of work. He struck out two.
UMHB 20, McMurry 4
The Cru (9-18, 4-8 ASC) scored 17 runs in the sixth and seventh innings to break open a 3-0 game to sweep the DH. After scoring eight in the sixth, they tacked on nine in the seventh to force the run rule.
Facing the possibility of the run rule after going down 11-0 in the sixth, the War Hawks scored three times to potentially extend the game. Designated hitter Josh Jimenez drove in the first run on an infield single with the bases loaded, with catcher Blaine McRay then scoring on a throwing error by the first baseman after a failed pickoff attempt. Centerfielder Josh Burnett capped the scoring in the inning with an RBI single to left.
Although McMurry got back within eight, UMHB scored nine times in the top of the seventh. McRay rounded out the scoring in the bottom of the seventh with a sacrifice fly.
Hillyer finished with two hits at the plate, while right fielder Mike Gonzales led McMurry with three hits and a run scored. Left fielder Matthew Chalk had two hits, as well.
Derek Hostas got the nod in game two, tossing 5.1 innings. He allowed seven runs, four earned, on 11 hits with seven strikeouts.
