Stingy Bulldog pitching held the Southwestern Pirates to just one run on Saturday. Despite the rough offensive goings the Pirates were in control of game 2 and had a few bounces not go their way in a tough 2-1 loss.

In game one of the doubleheader, the Pirates failed to do any damage to 2009 American Southwest Conference pitcher of the year. Chris Churchwell lasted just 2.1 innings, giving up 8 runs on 10 hits. The Pirates were unable to mount any type of attack and dropped the game 10-0.

In the second game of the double header, Southwestern jumped out to an early lead when junior third baseman Chris Lowry doubled with two outs to plate Kyle Belski, who had reached base on one of his 3 walks on the afternoon. Sophomore pitcher Chris Webber gave another dominating performance allowing just 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 3. Webber’s only run allowed came in his final inning of work after a leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt, and a single.

Texas Lutheran’s final run came on a slow rolling infield single and an eventual wild pitch. The Pirates mounted one final attack led by senior shortstop Matt Clark, who led off the top of the 9th with a double. After a strike out and a ground out, junior left fielder Patrick Keenan singled sharply to left field. Clark was thrown out at home on the play to end the game. The Pirates out hit the Bulldogs 8-3 in game 2 but came up just short on the scoreboard.

Patrick Keenan led the Pirates with 2 hits. Chris Webber threw 6 strong innings with 3 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 2 hits. Reliever Eric Kegley was given the loss after 1.1 innings with 1 hit, 1 run, and 1 walk. The Pirates drop to 2-6. Four Pirate losses have come on late inning rallies.

The Pirates will resume play on Tuesday, February 16 in a noon double header in Belton, TX against American Southwest Conference member University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.