BROWNWOOD, TEXAS – The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets defeated University of the Ozarks in today's double header winning the first game 20-6, and the second game 12-10.
Game 1
The Yellow Jackets started off the game with a strong first inning scoring ten runs, making the score 10-0 at the bottom of the first.
The Eagles responded with three runs in the top of second and one in the top of the third. In the bottom of the third HPU added seven more runs, making the score 17-4.
Yellow Jacket's Will Burford hit a home run to left field in the bottom of the fourth inning, allowing
JP Zuniga-Rodriguez to score.
The Ozarks were able to score two more runs in the fifth inning. In the bottom of the sixth, HPU's
JP Zuniga-Rodriguez scored off of a fielding error by University of the Ozarks. This made the final score 20-6.
HPU's
Kayden Kelley led the team with four hits and two RBI, followed by
Tanner Benson with three hits and four RBI. Pitching 5.0 innings,
Brayden Ferrie will take todays win for the Jackets.
Game 2
University of the Ozarks scored three runs at the start of the first inning. Howard Payne responded with 8 total runs over the first, second, and third innings.
HPU's
JP Zuniga-Rodriguez singled to right field, allowing
John Garza to score the Jackets' first run.
In the bottom of the second,
Seth Bowman,
Joey Villarreal, and
John Garza were able to score runs for HPU. The last two runs were scored due to a home run by
Landon Prestage.
John Garza singled down the right field line, bringing home
Joey Villarreal. Then,
Kayden Kelley singled through the left side bringing in
Tanner Benson for the run, making the score 8-3 at the bottom of the third.
The Yellow Jackets scored four additional runs in the bottom of the fourth, bringing the score to 12-4 HPU.
Even though the Eagles were able to score some more runs throughout the rest of the innings, it was not enough, giving HPU the win 12-10.
Howard Payne's
Kayden Kelley lead the team with three hits and four RBI. Starting Pitcher
Gary Blair will take today's win. Blair pitched 5.0 innings and had four strikeouts. Pitching 0.2 innings,
Bryson Adare will take the save.
The Yellow Jackets are now 16-17 on the season and 9-11 in conference. They will be back at home tomorrow at Don Shepard Park at 1:00 to finish out the University of the Ozarks series.
