PLAINVIEW, Texas – McMurry University Baseball was unable to hold on to an early lead against Wayland Baptist University, falling to the Pioneers, 8-4, in a road nonconference matchup.

The War Hawks (6-8) got on the board first with a two-run opening frame, but the Pioneers scored eight unanswered runs in the third through sixth innings to come away with the win.

In the top of the first, the first four batters reached for the War Hawks. With the bases loaded, Nick Hamel delivered a two-run single to right field scoring outfielders Josh Burnett and Mike Gonzales. McMurry had an opportunity for a big inning, but had a runner thrown rounding second.

The Pioneers got a run back in the third, and then took the lead with four in the fourth innings. Wayland tacked on two more in the fifth and a single run in the sixth.

McMurry scored twice in the top of the ninth on a two-run double by Gonzales for the final tally.

Right-hander Chris Lewis got the start for the War Hawks, tossing two scoreless innings with just one hit. Righty Jack Poe was tagged for the loss after allowing five runs on five hits in 1.1 innings.

Hamel and Gonzales each finished with two RBIs, with Hamel collecting three hits and Gonzales two.

McMurry opens American Southwest Conference play Friday at 7 p.m. for the first of a three-game series at Walt Driggers Field against LeTourneau University.