Howard Payne baseball split a road doubleheader against Dallas Christian College on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with the Yellow Jackets dropping the opener before roaring back in Game 2. The road trip sets the stage for the Jackets' return to Brownwood, TX on Friday, Feb. 20 for a doubleheader against Lyon College, followed by a single game Saturday.

In Game 1, Howard Payne fell 6-5 in a tight contest. Dallas Christian seized an early 1-0 lead in the first inning and added on in the second, including a long ball to stretch the advantage. Howard Payne chipped away, with Huston Cornish pacing the offense with two hits and four RBI, while Skyler Fields and Jace MacKenzie each contributed a run of their own. On the mound, Trevor Rangel took the loss, tossing two innings with three strikeouts, and the pitching staff battled all day to keep the Jackets within striking distance.

Game 2 saw a dramatic turnaround as Howard Payne exploded for a 17-14 victory. The Jackets struck early and often, scoring six runs in the first inning and building a commanding lead. Joshua Lile was all over the stat sheet, finishing with three hits and three RBI, including a home run that ignited the offense, and Braden Franks crossed the plate four times. Landon Prestage added three runs and an RBI, while AJ Tapia drove in four runs. Although Dallas Christian mounted a comeback with multiple runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Howard Payne's offense was too potent to slow. Caden Beck earned the win on the mound with four strikeouts over his outing.

The split showcased a resilient Jackets lineup that can both battle through adversity and erupt with big innings. Howard Payne now sets its sights on Lyon College as play heats up back in Brownwood later this week.