REDLANDS, CA – The McMurry University War Hawks offensive powerhouse was on full display Sunday morning at The Yard, as they powered past the University of Redlands 14-8, to even their season record at 2-2.
The War Hawks wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the second inning,
Dru Ohmstede ignited the scoring with a solo home run to left-center field. McMurry extended the lead in the third inning, using a combination of patience and power. After
Kaden Buske walked and
Beckham Paul singled,
Tatum Black drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Collin Bruning then stepped up and laced an RBI triple to left, followed immediately by a sacrifice fly from
Scout Smith to push the lead to 4-0.
Redlands responded in the bottom of the third, capitalizing on several walks to plate five runs and take a brief 5-4 lead. The Bulldogs added to their advantage in the fourth inning, scoring three more runs, including a two-run home run, to move ahead 8-4.
Refusing to back down, the War Hawks began their comeback in the fifth.
Scout Smith doubled to right to score
Tatum Black, and
Kia'i Sylvester drew a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to bring the score within two.
Caden Roy then cut the deficit to 8-7 with a sacrifice fly.
The decisive blow came in the top of the sixth inning. After loading the bases,
Scout Smith cleared them with a massive four-RBI grand slam to left field, catapulting McMurry back into the lead at 11-8. The War Hawks weren't finished, as
Kaden Buske later singled through the right side to drive in two more insurance runs, capping a six-run frame.
Noah Solis provided stability on the mound in relief, throwing 4.2 innings and earning the win.
Adam Trevino slammed the door in the final innings, striking out four of the six batters he faced to preserve the victory. McMurry added one final run in the ninth when
Collin Bruning hit a sacrifice fly to score
Tatum Black, who had led off the inning with a triple.
Top War Hawk Performers
Scout Smith: Had a career day at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a grand slam, a double, and 6 RBI.
Noah Solis: Settled the game in relief, pitching 4.2 innings with two strikeouts to earn his first win of the season.
Kaden Buske: Reached base consistently, finishing 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, a walk, and 4 runs scored.
Collin Bruning: Was an offensive threat, recording a triple, 2 RBI, and scoring twice while also drawing two walks.
On Deck
Baseball travels to open conference play against Texas Lutheran on Friday, February 13th, with first pitch at 6:00 p.m.
