BELTON, Texas – Southwestern pounded out 16 hits, but was unable to overcome a pair of big innings in a 12-10 loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor Tuesday night at Red Murff Field.

The Pirates (3-1) had two runners with one out in the final frame, but were unable to push either across the plate.

The Cru (4-7) scored four runs in the second inning to take a 6-1 lead.

After a scoreless third, Southwestern responded with three runs in the top of the fourth. However, UMHB took advantage of an error in the bottom of the frame to plate four more and increase its advantage to 10-4.

The Pirates then began chipping away at the lead by scoring in each of the next four panels. Southwestern added one in the fifth, two in the sixth, two more in the seventh and one in the eighth.

Mary Hardin-Baylor plated one run in both the fifth and seventh innings, taking a two-run lead into the ninth.

Colby Schmidt started the final stanza with an infield single, but was erased on Thomas O'Brien's fielder's choice. Tyler Bludau then doubled, pushing Hunter Hazen, who pinch ran for O'Brien, around to third base. However, it was the last positive note of the night for the Pirates.

Cory Farr retired the next two batters to preserve the win for the Cru and pick up the save.

UMHB starting pitcher Connor Heussner (1-0) worked five innings to earn his first win of the season. He surrendered 10 hits and five runs (four earned).

Josh Bray (0-2) was handed the loss after he gave up six runs on six hits in 1.1 innings.

Ben Little led the offensive charge for Southwestern with a 3-for-5 performance. Colten Shea was 2-for-2 with a triple and two RBIs, while Bludau came off the bench to post two hits, including a double, and drive in two. Austyn Laird also drove in a pair.

Southwestern will travel to Kerrville this weekend for a three-game series against Schreiner. The set, which will be played as non-conference, opens at 2 p.m. Friday and will conclude with a 1 p.m. doubleheader the following day.

– SOUTHWESTERN –