GEORGETOWN, Texas — In the second game of today's doubleheader, Southwestern did a much better job of controlling what it could but faded down the stretch, losing 9-3 to No. 4-ranked Trinity University.
Benjamin Ludwig gave Southwestern a solid start, going four scoreless innings before surrendering five runs, including three earned, over the fifth and sixth innings.
After the Pirates walked 16 in the first game, Southwestern was much more honed in on the strike zone, limiting Trinity to just six walks. Ludwig did solid work getting out of early jams, stranding a combined five runners through the first two innings.
Southwestern struck first, getting back-to-back doubles from Bryce Debbs and Jacob Tanner to take a 1-0 lead.
In the fifth inning, Trinity started to get Ludwig's timing, getting back-to-back singles compounded by a throwing error that gave Trinity its first run. The Tigers added a second one on a sacrifice fly to give Trinity a 2-1 lead.
After striking out the first two hitters in the top of the sixth, Ludwig surrendered back-to-back singles, followed by a three-run home run by Jack Vonderhaar for a 5-1 lead, ending Ludwig's night.
Trinity starter James Nittoli went five innings, striking out four with four hits surrendered and one earned run. Relievers Joel Thomas and Carter Fronk combined to hit two and walk two in the bottom of the sixth, giving Southwestern a run on walks and another on a fielder's choice.
Matthew Thomas took the mound for Trinity in the seventh and shut the Pirate offense down, striking out eight through three hitless innings to pick up the save.
The Tigers added four insurance runs in the top of the ninth off three hits, getting a pair of two-RBI singles from Rafe Chaumette and Jack Wisniewski.
Chaumette finished 4-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Trinity scored its nine runs on 16 hits. Jacob Tanner led the Pirates with a 2-for-4 performance and one RBI.
Southwestern and Trinity will finish their four-game, non-conference series tomorrow in San Antonio at 2:00.