Howard Payne dropped a close 7-6 decision to Schreiner University in game one of Friday's doubleheader at Don Shepard Park. The Yellow Jackets entered the day having won three of their previous four contests and continued to show offensive production despite the narrow loss.

Howard Payne finished the game with 10 hits, highlighted by several strong individual performances at the plate. Joshua Lile led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and four RBIs. Lile's big swing came in the fifth inning and helped the Yellow Jackets erase a deficit and briefly take the lead.

Landon Prestage also had a strong day at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Braden Franks added another key offensive performance, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an RBI. Nader Gulamhusein contributed with a 2-for-3 outing that included a double and a run scored, while Huston Cornish added a hit and scored two runs for the Yellow Jackets.

Howard Payne plated four runs in the fifth inning to take a 6-5 lead, highlighted by Prestage's RBI single and Lile's three-run homer. Schreiner responded in the sixth inning with a two-run single to regain the lead and hold on for the 7-6 victory.

On the mound, Ty Phillips made the start for the Yellow Jackets, throwing 4.1 innings while allowing five runs. Trevor Rangel also provided relief, tossing 1.2 innings and allowing just one hit while recording a strikeout to close out the game.

Despite the setback in the opener, the Yellow Jackets continued to battle throughout the game and turned their attention to the second game of the doubleheader later in the evening.

Head coach Stephen Lynn said the team showed resilience throughout the contest.

"We've been playing good baseball and I thought our guys continued to compete tonight," Lynn said. "We had some really good swings and battled back to take the lead. Now it's about turning the page and getting ready for the next one."