LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Fort Hays State came up on the short end of another high-scoring contest at New Mexico Highlands on Monday (Feb. 8), falling by a score of 15-12. The Tigers still won the three-game series, though, sitting at 2-1 to open the season.
FHSU held leads three times in the game, but NMHU scored nine runs over the seventh and eighth innings to salvage the final game of the three-game set. FHSU still made it interesting in the ninth by scoring five runs after trailing 15-7 and got the potential tying run to the plate. But with two on and two outs, Austin Unrein flew out down the right field line to end the game.
Fort Hays State held leads of 3-0, 5-4, and 7-6 before the Cowboys rallied ahead for good with four runs in the seventh and five in the eighth.
Connor Ross had a huge game at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run and five RBI. Joe Mapes recorded three RBI with one swing of the bat, a pinch-hit 3-run homer in the ninth to get the score to 15-12. Alex Weiss had two RBI. Austin Unrein had another solid game at the plate, going 3-for-6 with three runs scored.
FHSU outhit NMHU 18-11, but free runners allowed by Tiger pitching and fielding mistakes were costly. FHSU pitchers surrendered 11 walks and hit two batters, which turned into seven runs. Three of NMHU’s runs scored on the two errors committed in the game by FHSU.
FHSU starter Justin Hersch battled command issues and lasted just 1.2 innings. Two of the four runs he surrendered were earned. Will Amen and Connor Boyer each gave up a run in relief. Casey Sedbrook took the loss in 2.1 innings of work, surrendering three runs. Logan Herd and Giles Fox also gave up three runs each. Getting the final out of the eighth, Andrew Astalos was the only Tiger reliever not to give up a run in the game.
Corey Nelson picked up the win for the Cowboys in 0.2 innings of relief. Dylan Norris earned the save by getting the final out of the game.
Fort Hays State is scheduled to play in the Denver area next weekend with three games against Regis and one against Colorado Mines.