BROWNWOOD, Texas -- The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets got a boost from Derek Gifford, who totaled three hits in a 6-4 loss to LeTourneau on Friday at Don Shepard Park.

In addition to his three hits, Gifford had a triple and an RBI to lead the Yellow Jackets. Tanner Benson furnished a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-5 with an RBI. Jackson Earle also chipped in for Howard Payne, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Yellow Jackets got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Howard Payne scored twice, with one run coming across on Seth Bowman's single.

The Yellow Jackets lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the ninth trailing 6-2. Howard Payne put up two runs in the frame, punctuated with an RBI triple off the bat of Gifford, which tightened the Letourneau lead to 6-4. The Yellow Jackets were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.

GAME NOTES
» Gifford led the Yellow Jackets, compiling three base hits in the ballgame.
» Howard Payne's highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed two runs across.
» Howard Payne went 5-for-10 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Howard Payne pitchers faced 44 LeTourneau hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out five.
» Gifford led the Yellow Jackets at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a triple and an RBI.
» LeTourneau was led offensively by X. Nabors, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI.

HPU will be back in action on Saturday as they take on LeTourneau in a double-header at Don Shepard Park with games set for 1:00 and 4:00 PM