Abram Choate, SID
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. - Howard Payne University swept the University of the Ozarks in their three-game weekend series after winning both games on Saturday afternoon at Lonnie R. Qualls Field.
In the single game on Friday, the Eagles (6-6, 0-0) had a tough third inning that saw the Yellow Jackets score eight runs on six hits. Howard Payne already had a 2-0 lead, but extended their advantage to 10-0 thanks to three costly Ozarks' errors. Howard Payne out hit Ozarks 13-11. HPU went on to win 11-6.
Justin Davies picked up the win for the Jackets, pitching 7 innings, giving up 9 hits and 3 runs. Ozarks threw four pitchers in the loss. Chase Hale (2-1) suffered his first defeat of the season after pitching two and one-third innings.
Howard Payne (5-7, 0-0) escaped with a 3-2 win over the Eagles in game one behind a two-run first inning. The Yellow Jackets came back in game two and handed Ozarks (6-8, 0-0) a 12-4 loss.
In the first game of the double hitter on Saturday, the Eagles answered HPU's two-run first in game one when Caleb Hilton's home run on the first pitch. The third inning saw both teams score one, but it was Howard Payne's run off an Ozarks' error that proved to be the game-winner.
HPU's Colby Rowley got the win in the first game pitching 5 innings, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. Heckmann (0-2) took the loss after pitching five and one-third innings. He had five strikeouts. The Eagles out hit the Yellow Jackets 6-5, but committed three errors.
The Yellow Jackets again used a strong first inning, scoring five runs, to maintain momentum in the second game. Ozarks went scoreless for the first three innings, but then scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Howard Payne held a 12-3 lead going into the bottom of the eighth as Ozarks one more score to make the final 12-4 HPU.
Yellow Jacket Doug Wren picked up the win, pitching 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, but retiring 4 in the outing. Ozark's Curt Dixon (2-3) took the loss after pitching six innings. Dixon struck out five.
None of the wins count in the American Southwest Conference standings since Ozarks competes in the ASC East division.
