ABILENE, TX – The McMurry War Hawks had a tale of two games in their doubleheader against Texas Lutheran on February 13th at Edwards Field. The Bulldogs took both games, securing a 9-0 win in game one, but had a much tougher time, landing a 14-8 victory in extra innings in game two.

Game 1: TLU 9, McMurry 0

In the first game, Texas Lutheran's pitching proved the difference, limiting the War Hawks to just four hits. Texas Lutheran struck early, scoring a run in the top of the first inning. Elaina Herrera singled to right field in the bottom half for the War Hawks, but the team couldn't capitalize. In the second inning, the Bulldogs added another run to their tally. Sophia Steele gave McMurry some momentum with a single to center field in the bottom of the second. In the third, Taylor McCurdy singled and immediately stole second base to try to spark the offense.

However, Texas Lutheran broke the game open in the fourth inning by scoring four runs. This prompted a pitching change, bringing in Nyema Muhammad for Rexie Sanders. Reaghan Staehely managed a single to right center in the bottom of the fourth. The Bulldogs ultimately capped their scoring with three more runs in the fifth inning to secure the 9-0 victory.

Game 2: TLU 14, McMurry 8 (8 innings)

Game two of the doubleheader was a thrilling, offensive battle that stretched into eight innings. Texas Lutheran struck first with a run in the opening frame. Sophia Steele picked up right where she left off, singling in the second inning. The Bulldogs' offense surged in the third inning, putting up five runs to extend their lead. Nyema Muhammad entered the game in the fourth inning to relieve starter Sophia Garza. The War Hawks' offense began to show serious life in the fourth with singles from Reaghan Staehely and Sophia Steele , and again in the fifth with a single by Marissa Cardenas.

The McMurry bats exploded in the sixth inning, scoring six runs to roar right back into the game. Morgan Faubion ignited the rally with a double, and Angelina Kulbeth singled shortly after. Faubion then scored on a throwing error to put the War Hawks on the board. The highlight of the inning came when Sophia Steele blasted a two-run homerun, bringing in Kulbeth. The rally continued as Kami Owen drove in a run on an RBI single, followed by a clutch two-RBI single from Morgan Faubion to bring the War Hawks within one.

Texas Lutheran added a run in the top of the seventh, but McMurry wasn't finished. In the bottom of the seventh, Reaghan Staehely and Sophia Steele both singled to set the table. Marissa Cardenas delivered an RBI single to score Staehely, and Gianna Ricarte forced an error that brought Steele home, tying the game at 8-8 and forcing extra innings.

Unfortunately, the eighth inning belonged to Texas Lutheran. The Bulldogs tallied six runs to put the game out of reach. Thalia Reyes came in to pitch in relief during the difficult frame. The War Hawks were unable to mount a second comeback in the bottom of the eighth, falling 14-8.

Top Performers

Sophia Steele: Steele had a phenomenal day at the plate, securing a hit in the first game. She then dominated game two with four hits, two runs scored, and two RBIs stemming from a clutch sixth-inning homerun.

Morgan Faubion: Faubion was a key piece of the massive sixth-inning rally in game two. She recorded two hits, including a double, drove in two runs, and scored once.

Reaghan Staehely: Staehely was a consistent offensive presence all afternoon. She logged a hit in game one and provided two important singles alongside a run scored in game two.

Marissa Cardenas: Cardenas stepped up in game two to help fuel the War Hawks' comeback attempts. She collected two hits, one RBI, and crossed the plate for a run.

On Deck:

Baseball will play the final game of the series on Saturday, February 14, at 1pm against the Lady Bulldogs at Edwards Field.