BROWNWOOD, Texas - Despite picking up eight hits in the ballgame and out-hitting Mary Hardin-Baylor, Howard Payne was unable to push across more runs, as the Yellow Jackets were defeated by the Crusaders 6-2 Friday.

Gary Blair (0-2) got the ball to start for Howard Payne (5-5, 2-2) and took the loss. The right-hander went seven innings, giving up six runs, four earned, on six hits, allowing one walk and striking out two. Brendan Read was a bright spot for the Yellow Jackets, coming out of the bullpen and throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, with no walks and one strikeout.

Derek Gifford led the way offensively for the Yellow Jackets, going 2-for-5 in the ballgame with a double. Jackson Earle put together a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Tanner Benson also contributed, going 2-for-5 for Howard Payne.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Yellow Jackets were trailing 6-0 in the fifth inning when they first put runs on the board. Howard Payne plated two runs off of Mary Hardin-Baylor pitching, one of which was driven in on a run-scoring double off the bat of Earle. The Yellow Jackets were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.

GAME NOTES
» Howard Payne's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed two runs across.
» The Yellow Jackets out-hit the Crusaders at an 8-7 clip.
» Howard Payne pitchers limited Mary Hardin-Baylor to just 1-for-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Howard Payne pitchers faced 38 Mary Hardin-Baylor hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and 17 fly balls while striking out three.
» Gifford led the Yellow Jackets at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a double.
» Mary Hardin-Baylor was led offensively by R. Grosz, who went 1-for-4 with a triple and two RBI.
» J. Haynes led the Crusaders pitching staff, throwing two scoreless innings.

The Yellow Jackets will be back in action tomorrow as they take on the Cru in a double-header with games set for 12:00 and 3:00 PM.