Clarksville, Ark.-Brett Hays' two home runs weren't enough because of an eight-run third inning by Howard Payne University on Friday afternoon at Lonnie R. Qualls Field.
Ozarks took a 11-6 loss, but the game does not count in the American Southwest Conference standings since Howard Payne (3-7, 0-0) competes in the ASC West division. The Eagles (6-6, 0-0) had a tough third inning that saw the Yellow Jackets score eight runs on six hits. Howard Payne already had a 2-0 lead, but extended their advantage to 10-0 thanks to three costly Ozarks’ errors. The Eagles did show signs of life in the fifth when five runners reached base, but they could only muster one run. Brett Hays provided the offense in the sixth inning when he hit a solo shot to cut the deficit to 10-2. Hays again sparked the Eagles’ offense with a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, but it wouldn’t be enough as Ozarks had too big of a deficit to overcome. Ozarks threw four pitchers in the loss. Chase Hale (2-1) suffered his first defeat of the season after pitching two and one-third innings. Mike Darr held the Yellow Jackets to one run in five and two-third innings. Darr ended the game with four strikeouts. Howard Payne out hit Ozarks 13-11. Hays ended the contest going 2-for-5 at the plate with 4 RBI. Caleb Hilton followed with a 2-for-4, 2 RBI performance. Tim Renshaw and Kyle Hudson each collected two hits. The two teams square off Saturday in a double-header beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Topics: Athletics