ABILENE, TX - The McMurry War Hawks hosted Hardin-Simmons on Tuesday evening at Walt Driggers Field for a non-conference showdown. Despite an early offensive spark and a mid-game rally, the War Hawks fell to the Cowboys, 12-5.

McMurry wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Beckham Paul drew a leadoff walk, advanced on a wild pitch, and showcased his speed by stealing third. A passed ball moments later allowed Paul to cross the plate, giving the War Hawks an early 1-0 advantage. However, Hardin-Simmons responded aggressively, putting up five runs in the second inning and three more in the third to take command of the game.

Trailing 9-1, the War Hawks' offense came alive in the bottom of the fourth inning. Scout Smith ignited the rally with a double, and Chase Lynch followed with a sharp single to drive Smith home. After Kia'i Sylvester was hit by a pitch, Blake Risko delivered a clutch double to score Lynch. Kaden Buske then put the ball in play with a groundout that allowed Sylvester to score, capping a three-run inning and cutting the deficit to 9-4.

The War Hawks added another run in the sixth inning when Kia'i Sylvester launched a solo home run, narrowing the gap to 9-5. On the mound, Cole Prasse provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, silencing the Cowboys' bats for 2.2 innings. Prasse allowed no hits and no runs while striking out four, stabilizing the game for McMurry. Despite the effort, Hardin-Simmons added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings to secure the 12-5 victory.

Game Notables

Kia'i Sylvester: 1-for-2, Home Run, 2 Runs Scored, 1 RBI, 1 HBP
Cole Prasse: 2.2 IP, 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 4 Strikeouts
Chase Lynch: 1-for-2, 1 Run Scored, 1 RBI, 2 HBP
Scout Smith: 1-for-4, Double, 1 Run Scored

On Deck

McMurry next heads to Longview to take on LeTourneau in a SCAC series this weekend, starting Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. at Conrad-Vernon Field.