Howard Payne closed out its four-game series against the University of Dallas on Tuesday night at home, falling 17-10 in a high-scoring finale while earning a split in the series.
The Yellow Jackets wasted no time responding after an early deficit, answering with a four-run bottom of the first inning. Braden Franks delivered an RBI single to get Howard Payne on the board before Hunter Pope launched a three-run home run to swing momentum and give the Yellow Jackets an early lead.
Offensively, Howard Payne continued to produce throughout the contest, finishing with 10 runs on 10 hits. Hunter Pope led the charge with a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Braden Franks added to the effort with a 2-for-6 outing and three RBIs, while Landon Prestage provided consistency in the middle of the lineup, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs and drawing two walks.
Jace Mackenzie also contributed with a productive day, collecting two hits, scoring twice, and driving in a run while reaching base multiple times. The Yellow Jackets showed patience at the plate as a team, working nine walks and creating scoring opportunities across several innings.
Howard Payne continued to battle late into the game, adding two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning as Landon Prestage delivered a two-RBI single to cap the scoring.
On the mound, Tyler George provided a solid stretch in relief, tossing 2.2 innings while limiting damage and keeping the game within reach during the middle innings. Brian Hill closed out the game with a clean ninth inning, striking out two.
Despite the loss, the Yellow Jackets showed resilience offensively and throughout the series, battling across all four games to earn a split against Dallas.
Head coach Stephen Lynn said, "I liked the way we kept competing at the plate tonight. We put together some quality at-bats and didn't let the game get away from us mentally. We've just got to clean things up defensively and on the mound, but there's a lot we can build on from this one."
Howard Payne now turns its focus to the next stretch of games, looking to carry its offensive momentum forward.
