ABILENE, Texas -- John Garza collected four hits, but the Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets fell to the McMurry University War Hawks 6-5 on Tuesday.
Trevor Rangel (1-3) took the loss on the mound for Howard Payne (7-23). Luke Watkins was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going three shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking one and striking out two.
In addition to his four hits, Garza had two doubles and an RBI to lead the Yellow Jackets. Grant Pfaff put together a noteworthy performance as well, going 1-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Will Burford also contributed for Howard Payne, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a double.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 2-0, the Yellow Jackets first put runs on the board in the second inning. Howard Payne plated two runs off of McMurry pitching, one of which was driven in on a run-scoring double off the bat of Landon Prestage.
The War Hawks broke the tie and re-took the lead heading into the sixth inning, when the Yellow Jackets got back on the scoreboard. Howard Payne scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Garza, which brought the score level at 3-3.
McMurry busted up the tie and took a 5-3 lead heading into the ninth, when Howard Payne tied the game at five. The Yellow Jackets picked up two runs in the frame, the big hit being an RBI double from . McMurry then scored one time in the bottom half of the ninth to break the tie and grab the 6-5 win.
GAME NOTES
» Garza compiled a four-hit day for the Yellow Jackets.
» Howard Payne's power output was led by Garza, who picked up two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Howard Payne's highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed two runs across.
» The Yellow Jackets out-hit the War Hawks at an 11-9 clip.
» Howard Payne pitchers limited McMurry to just 3-for-16 (.188) with runners in scoring position.
» Howard Payne pitchers faced 42 McMurry hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» Garza led the Yellow Jackets at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.
» McMurry was led offensively by M. Smosna, who went 2-for-5 with a double and a triple.
The Yellow Jackets will have a conference series at home versus Mary Hardin-Baylor starting on Wednesday due to the Easter holiday.
