GEORGETOWN, Texas - After blowing out Austin College in the opening game of a double header Southwestern needed gutsy plays both at the plate and on the mound as SU won two SCAC conference games against Austin College Sunday afternoon.
Game one started off well for the Pirates as they posted three runs in the first inning and two runs in the second while allowing just one run at the outset of the game to take an early 5-1 lead.
After a scoreless third and top of fourth SU put together an impressive hitting streak to score 10 runs with no outs in the bottom of the fourth thanks in large part to two three-run homeruns, one by Cray Betts and the other by Nate Shipp.
With a solid 15-1 lead in hand the Pirates closed the game out with tough defense, not allowing another AC run, and scored two more for good measure in the fifth to win 17-1.
Alan Lowry got the complete game win going seven innings while scattering just three hits, walking one and striking out five. The lone 'Roo run was unearned for Lowry.
Game two was a complete 180 from the first contest. This game saw Austin College take an early, narrow lead, 3-2, through three innings and then SU tied it up in the bottom of the fourth, 3-3.
The 'Roos posted one run in the fifth, two in the sixth and one more in the seventh and seemed to have things under control until SU came to the plate for their half of the inning.
Todd Boone led off with a walk and the rest took place with two outs as the Pirates managed to force four runs across the plate, tying the game.
Southwestern quickly broke the tie after holding the 'Roos scoreless in the eighth, pushing three more runs across the plate to go up 10-7.
With the game seemingly in hand all SU had to do was secure three outs behind the arm of Russell Kelly. AC's Leech led off with a single and Merritt doubled to start the inning. Kelly got Gonzales to strike out swinging with runners on second and third but couldn't get another out as a walk and pair of singles scored two runs, bringing Austin College within one run with only one out.
Chris Churchwell, fresh off the disabled list, came into his first game back in a tough situation but shined with bases loaded. He struck out Muder and then got Appelquist to fly out to centerfield to end the threat and game with SU still ahead by one run.
Aaron Garza earned the win after going two innings, allowing just one hit and one run while Churchwell got the well deserved save. AC's Steed garnered the loss.
Jeff Glasgow went 3-5 from the plate, scoring once, while Nate Shipp was 4-7 with four runs, four RBI's and one home run. Chris Lowry also had a big day going 4-7 as well with two doubles, two RBI's and one run.
The Pirates improve to 8-17 overall and 4-9 in the conference while AC falls to 11-11 on the year and 5-7 in the SCAC.
Southwestern continues their home stand with a double header on Tuesday, March 23rd against Texas Lutheran University beginning at 3:00 pm.