ABILENE, TX - The McMurry War Hawks faced off against Hendrix College Friday evening at Walt Driggers Field. The final score was 4-2 in favor of McMurry.

Hendrix scored the first runs of the game in the top of the first inning, taking an early 2-0 lead. In response, McMurry got on the board in the bottom half when Beckham Paul hit a double, stole third, and scored on a balk to narrow the deficit to 2-1.

Momentum shifted in the bottom of the third inning. Kaden Buske hit a double and stole third, then Tatum Black doubled to bring Buske home and tie the game at 2-2. Next, Beckham Paul singled, and Collin Bruning drew a walk before Black scored on a wild pitch, giving McMurry a 3-2 lead.

The War Hawks extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Kaden Buske reached base on a fielder's choice and advanced to third after a single from Tatum Black. Buske then stole home, making the score 4-2.

Hendrix was unable to close the gap further, as McMurry's pitching held them scoreless for the remainder of the game. On the mound, Hunter Poe started the game and pitched six innings to earn the win, striking out five batters while allowing two runs. Trey Gomez took over in the seventh and contributed two scoreless innings, striking out two, before Adam Trevino closed the game in the ninth with three strikeouts to earn the save and secure the 4-2 victory.

The win moves the War Hawks' season record to 9-13 overall and 7-9 in conference as they look to make up ground in the SCAC standings.

Top Performers
Hunter Poe: Earned the win with five strikeouts over six innings pitched.
Kaden Buske: Scored two runs, hit a double, and executed a steal of home.
Tatum Black: Recorded two hits, including a double, one run scored, and one run batted in.
Beckham Paul: Recorded two hits, including a double, one run scored, and one stolen base.

On Deck
McMurry will continue their conference series against Hendrix College on Saturday, March 21, at 1:00 p.m., with game three on Sunday.