ABILENE, Texas – All nine starters in the lineup for McMurry University Baseball recorded at least one hit Sunday afternoon, but it wasn't enough to top UT Dallas, as the War Hawks fell, 15-11, to the Comets at Walt Driggers Field.
The War Hawks (7-26, 0-18 ASC) were forced to play from behind once again, as the Comets (17-16, 9-6 ASC) opened the game with six runs in the opening frame. They would add another on a home run in the second to lead 7-0.
But as they had all series, the War Hawks battled to get back in the game. McMurry batted around in the second, scoring five times, sparked by a leadoff home run by designated hitter Sam Hillyer.
Later in the inning, first baseman Marty Carnahan scored on a wild pitch after reaching on a single. Third baseman Javier Rosa then singled through the left side to score centerfielder Josh Jimenez. With two outs, right fielder Mike Gonzales reached on a fielder error, allowing another run to score, with catcher Blaine McRay capping the inning with an RBI single.
However, the Comets responded with three runs in the fourth to regain a five run lead. The War Hawks answered once again in the bottom half, as McRay drove in a run on an RBI double to left center, and again when a Comet error extended the inning.
The Comets' offense was too much for the War Hawks though, as the tallied two runs in the sixth and three more in the eighth.
McMurry totaled single runs in the sixth and seventh on RBI singles by Carnahan and left fielder Matthew Chalk, respectively, along with two more in a ninth inning rally for the final margin.
The War Hawks outhit the Comets on the afternoon, 17-14, with each team reaching double digits for runners left on base.
Along with each member of the starting lineup recording a hit, all scored at least one run, as well. McRay and second baseman Jordan Speck each tallied three hits and scored twice, while McRay and Chalk each had two RBIs. Four other War Hawks had two hits apiece.
McMurry is back on the road next weekend for a series at Belhaven University.
