LONGVIEW, TX - The War Hawks faced off against LeTourneau University at Conrad-Vernon Field in a tight conference matchup. Despite a strong late-game push, McMurry was edged out by the YellowJackets, falling by a final score of 3-2.
The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams putting up zeros in the first three frames. McMurry threatened early in the top of the first when
Tatum Black and
Beckham Paul drew back-to-back walks, but a double play ended the threat. Starting pitcher
Hunter Poe settled in quickly on the mound for the War Hawks, keeping LeTourneau off the board through the first three innings and racking up strikeouts early.
LeTourneau broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning. After a pair of singles and a passed ball moved runners into scoring position, the YellowJackets used a groundout and back-to-back hits to drive in three runs, taking a 3-0 lead.
The War Hawks' offense looked to respond in the middle innings. In the fifth,
Kia'i Sylvester singled to left field, but the inning ended on a line-drive double play. In the sixth,
Kaden Buske singled and advanced on a wild pitch, but McMurry was unable to bring him home, leaving the score at 3-0.
McMurry finally broke through in the top of the 7th inning.
Scout Smith started the rally with a single to left, followed by a base hit to center from
Dru Ohmstede.
Tanner Hollis executed a sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position.
Kia'i Sylvester then delivered a clutch single down the left-field line, scoring both Ohmstede and Smith to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Relief pitcher
Trey Gomez took over in the seventh and kept the War Hawks within striking distance, pitching two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit. However, McMurry was unable to complete the comeback. In the top of the ninth, despite
Dru Ohmstede getting hit by a pitch to put the tying run on base, a game-ending double play sealed the 3-2 victory for LeTourneau.
Top Performers
Kia'i Sylvester: 2-for-3, 2 RBI
Dru Ohmstede: 2-for-3, 1 Run, HBP
Hunter Poe: 6.0 IP, 9 Strikeouts
Scout Smith: 1-for-4, 1 Run
On Deck:
Baseball continues its series against LeTourneau with a doubleheader starting at 1pm on Saturday, February 21, in Longview.
