BELTON, Texas (May 12, 2016) – Oklahoma Christian University pitcher Brennan Walker held No.13 Lubbock Christian University to one run over seven innings and helped the Eagles upset the Chaparrals 4-1 in their opening game of the Heartland Conference Baseball Tournament Thursday evening at Red Murff Field. LCU falls into an elimination contest Friday at noon against St. Mary's University.
LCU was held to seven hits in the game and Walker held LCU to five hits over his seven innings on the mound. Walker allowed one hits over a span of 18 batters faced in the game, while he received early production from his offense.
The Eagles had a run in each of the first three innings for a 3-0 lead. Alex Polston opened the game with a double and scored on an ensuing single by Derek Jones in the top of the first inning for the 1-0 OC lead. Jared Sterling doubled in the second inning leading to a run and Jake Baxter's hit through the left side on a hit-and-run capped the trio of runs.
The Chaps had a chance to counter in the bottom of the third inning, with
Chase Simmons batting with the bases loaded. Simmons nailed a pitch to left-centerfield but the thick nighttime air was not letting anything leave the yard.
LCU starting pitcher
Guillaume Blanchette had a tough start, allowing six hits over the first three innings, but he settled down to hold the Eagles to two hits over his final five innings pitched. Blanchette went a span of facing 20 batters without allowing a hit.
Despite Blanchette's effort to silence the Eagles, it was LCU's offense that was remaining silent. LCU's 4-9 hitters in the batting order started the game 0-for-18. Simmons, batting in the cleanup spot, finally ended the Chaps silence with a double in the eighth inning to get their first run across home plate. The Chaps had a few occasions with the tying running at the plate, including in the ninth inning, but the lone run would be as close as LCU would get. The Chaps were 1-for-10 in the game with runners in scoring position.
Brandon Rix (2-for-3) and
Jaime Bustamante (2-for-4) each had multi-hit games for LCU. Jones (2-for-5), Jared Sterling (2-for-3) and Austin Orth (2-for-4) led OC at the plate. Walker improved to 7-1 with the win, while Blanchette fell to 11-2. Blanchette allowed four runs (three earned) off eight hits in eight innings.
LCU fell to 35-16 with the loss and into the elimination bracket, while OC improved to 29-20 and into a winner's bracket meeting with St. Edward's. The Chaps will play St. Mary's University at noon, and if they avoid elimination, they will follow with a 7 p.m. contest against the losing team of the match up featuring OC and St. Edward's.
