ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Baseball closed a seven game home stand Tuesday with a midweek matchup against Southwestern, limiting the Pirates to just two hits in a decisive 8-1 win at Walt Driggers Field.

The War Hawks (6-7) allowed just one run on an RBI groundout, but blanked its non-conference foe the rest of the way on the arms of Kaden Sebastian, Travis Beauchamp and Grayson Winter. Sebastian earned the win, improving to 1-0 after 4.0 innings with just one run allowed. He also gave up two hits and two walks, but fanned seven batters in a strong performance.

Beauchamp kept the Pirates (2-2) at bay with three full innings, giving up just one walk with four strikeouts. Winter finished things off by getting the final six outs, letting one reach on a hit by pitch, but nothing else.

Meanwhile, the offense scrapped together eight runs on five hits. Four of the eight scored on productive outs, while three others crossed on pitcher-catcher miscues. The other run was perhaps the most exciting of the night, as freshman Blaze Rickerson stole home in the third inning. This proved to be the game-winning run, making it 2-0 early.

Fellow freshman Dylan Lee led the way with two hits, while Rickerson, Josh Dyer and Xavier Escobar all added singles. Sophomore Blake Beach chipped in a sacrifice fly and an RBI fielder's choice for two RBI. Rickerson also drove home a pair via groundouts.

Logan Mercer led the team with two runs scored, reaching twice on walks.

The War Hawks showed patience throughout the night and took advantage of some defensive lapses by the Pirates, drawing 10 walks and advancing runners on four wild pitches and one passed ball.

The team finishes its home stretch with four wins in seven games.

McMurry returns to conference play on Friday, March 4 at 6 p.m. at LeTourneau. The series concludes with a Saturday doubleheader at 1 p.m.