ABILENE, Texas – McMurry Baseball opened American Southwest Conference play at University of the Ozarks on Friday afternoon, as the Eagles defeated the War Hawks in both games of the doubleheader in Arkansas, 13-0 and 4-1.
The War Hawks look to salvage the series on Saturday at noon.
Game 1: Ozarks 13, McMurry 0 (7 innings)
The Ozarks produced runs early and often, starting the game with a solo homer in the bottom of the first inning. The Eagles went on to score three runs in the second frame and eight runs over the last two innings.
Despite managing just one hit in the game, McMurry put a pair of runners on via walks to threaten in the first inning. The War Hawks also reached two runners in the second, one in the sixth and two in the seventh.
McMurry's lone hit came from Ethan Schmidt, who pinched hit in the seventh and singled. He and Christian Oliver would be stranded in scoring position to end the contest.
The Eagles had a 7.0 inning shutout from David Beck, who struck out seven despite five walks.
Pitchers of record:
W – David Beck (2-0)
L – Marty Carnahan (0-1)
S – None
Game 2: Ozarks 4, McMurry 1
The nightcap provided fans more of a pitcher duel, as the Ozarks earned a 4-1 victory in nine innings to secure the sweep.
After pitching nearly five scoreless innings of relief in his last outing, junior Matthew Bass earned the nod in game two. He pitched 4.0 innings, allowing just two runs on a two-run homer in the third inning. Freshman Travis Beauchamp also pitched 4.0 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) with five strikeouts.
Unfortunately for the offense, Blake Benson dealt 7.0 scoreless frames to earn the victory. He allowed just two hits, walking three batters while striking out eight.
Trailing 4-0, the War Hawks scored their lone run in the ninth inning. After sophomore Trent Lee doubled to right field to open the inning, junior Marty Carnahan ripped an RBI single to score him. With the tying run on deck, the game swiftly ended with a double play in the next at-bat.
Carnahan led the War Hawks with a 2-for-3 showing in the nightcap, including a double and the RBI single. Lee and sophomore catcher Reed Hodges had the other two hits.
Pitchers of record:
W – Blake Benson (2-0)
L – Matthew Bass (0-1)
S – None
