GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Pirates gave up two runs early and were chasing the Crusaders from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for the remainder of the afternoon. The Cru picks up its first win of the season bringing their record to 1-1. Southwestern is still looking for its first victory and move to 0-5 following the loss.
Chris Florack started off the game for UMHB with a single and later scored on a Chris Joshlin RBI single. Zach Young added another run in the first inning for the Cru, taking home on a double steal to put his team up 2-0. The Crusaders added three more runs in the top of the 4th, getting two runs in on a Florack double and another score on a sacrifice fly by Josh Fredrick.
The Pirates answered in the bottom of the 4th with some offense of their own. Nate Shipp got on base with a one out single. Jeff Glasgow ripped a double to right field and moved Shipp to third. Cray Betts brought home Shipp on a sacrifice fly to make it a 5-1 game.
In the 6th inning, Southwestern continued to chip away at the UMHB lead. With the bases loaded, Lance Gottardy singled to right field, scoring lead runner Heath Spencer. Glasgow also scored on the play after elevating over the tag by the catcher in a close play at the plate making it a 5-3 game.
The Crusaders and Pirates traded one run a piece in the 7th and 8th innings. UMHB capped off the scoring with two runs in the 9th to give them the 8-4 victory.
The Pirates were led offensively by Lance Gottardy, who went 2-4 with 2 RBI, and Jeff Glasgow who went 1-4 with a double and a run.
The two squads continue the series with a doubleheader Saturday, February 11th, beginning at noon with UMHB playing host in Belton for the games at Red Murff Field.