ANTHEM, Ariz. -- Hardin-Simmons' baseball team closed its initial appearance in the
Arizona Desert Classic with a 3-1 loss to La Verne on Sunday morning at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, Ariz.
The
Leopard put up three runs in the fifth inning and that proved to be
enough for the win. Michael Reyes led off the fifth being
hit by a pitch by starter Matt Rhodes and moved to second on a sac bunt.
Josh Surdo then pinch hit and had an infield single and Jason Moralez
hit a sacrifice fly to center and then Nick Bergara walked to chase
Rhodes.
Ryan
Reagor came on in relief and Cody Hazel had the big blow of the game a
two-run double donw the right field line to plate both
runs.
HSU
scored its only run in the seventh inning when Jon Finney had a
sacrifice fly. HSU had runners on first and second and no one
out in the eighth but Andrew Bell, who had been the Cowboys' hottest
hitter, grounded into a double play and Chris Matthews struck out to end
the threat.
Freshman
Matt Rhodes (0-1) was solid in his debut for the Cowboys. He worked
four and two-third innings and allowed just two hits
and three runs, while striking out three. Reagor worked two and
one-third innings of scoreless relief and Tyler Brunnemann stuck out two
in two scoreless innings.
Sean Beckman earned the win with five scoreless innings for La Verne. Phil Schick worked the final two and two-third innings for
the save for the Leopards.
Marcus Uechi and Zack Patino had two hits each for the Cowboys. HSU actually outhit La Verne 7-6 in the game.
The
Cowboys are now 2-2 on the year and La Verne improved to 3-1. HSU will
play at Texas-Tyler next weekend in a three-game non-conference
series.