LUBBOCK, Texas (February 12, 2016) – Brett Wilhelm went 3-for-4 and Lubbock Christian University used a four-run eighth inning to hold off New Mexico Highlands University with a 7-2 win to open their three-game series Friday at Hays Field.
 
LCU was leading 3-1 in the top of the eighth inning when Easton Garcia led off with a double and scored from second base on a wild pitch that got away in foul territory on the first-base side. Garcia's run cut LCU's lead to 3-2. A single by Alvaro Gonzalez and an error led to the tying run reaching second base with one out. It marked the end of the night for Chaps starting pitcher Russell Reber, who went a solid 7.1 innings. Glen Warrick came in out of the bullpen and was able to force a double-play and the Cowboys left the tying run stranded.
 
The Chaparrals first three batters reached in the bottom of the eighth inning, with Josh Narvaiz reaching on a throwing error off a sacrifice bunt resulting in Dylan Drury and pinch runner Jesse Pintado scoring for a 5-2 LCU advantage. Brett Wilhelm and Brent Stewart each followed with a RBI-single and LCU extended their lead to 7-2.
 
LCU never trailed in the game. Wilhelm led off the bottom of the third inning with a triple and eventually scored the game's first run off a single. Stewart followed with a sacrifice fly to complete the third-inning scoring and LCU led 2-0.
 
Highlands' Brian Chaparro was hit by a pitch to lead off the fifth inning and would score on a two-out base hit by Garcia, cutting LCU's lead to 2-1. The Chaps would get the run back in the bottom of the seventh inning off a Brandon Urquizo single.
 
LCU produced 11 hits and they came from seven different individuals. Wilhelm finished with three runs and went 3-for-4 from the plate. Brandon Rix (2-for-3) and Stewart (2-for-4) also had a pair of hits for LCU. Garcia (2-for-5) and Michael Sielinski each had multi-hit games in the loss for NMHU.
 
Reber claimed his first win as a Chap (1-0). He went 7.1 innings and allowed two runs off six hits while striking out seven batters. Warrick and Ricky Contreras combined for 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Joel Lamont (0-1) took the loss for NMHU. He went six innings and allowed two runs off six hits. Lamont was one of five pitchers used by NMHU.
 
The Chaparrals improve to 5-0 with the win, while NMHU drops to 1-3. The two teams are scheduled for a doubleheader Saturday at Hays Field, with the first pitch set for 1 p.m.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
0 – Through five games, LCU has yet to allow an unearned run this season.
1 – Number of pitches thrown by Glen Warrick, who was able to get a double-play to end the Cowboys threat in the eighth inning.
3 – LCU produced a season high three stolen bases. They have not had four stolen bases in a game since Mar. 8, 2014.
5 – The triple hit by Wilhelm was his fifth of his career and it was the first by a Chap this season.