LUBBOCK, Texas - The Lubbock Christian University Baseball team got three hits out of sophomore Jacob Gutierrez in a 7-4 loss to Arkansas-Fort Smith Friday.
Senior Ayden Alger was a bright spot for the Chaparrals, starting the ballgame and throwing six innings, giving up three runs, all earned, on four hits, with two walks and six strikeouts. Junior Liam Scott (0-1) came out of the bullpen for Lubbock Christian (7-6) and took the loss.
In addition to his three hits, Gutierrez had a home run and two RBI to lead the Chaps. Junior Rhett Clark compiled a standout day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Senior Ryan Ball also chipped in for LCU, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a double.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Chaparrals got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning thanks to Clark's RBI double with two outs.
The Lions then rallied to score three runs and take a 3-1 lead before the Chaps got back on the board in the sixth. LCU scored twice on Gutierrez's two-run homer, which brought the score level at 3-3.
Arkansas-Fort Smith broke that tie and grabbed a 7-3 lead heading into the eighth, when LCU narrowed the gap to 7-4. The Chaparrals were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
- Gutierrez's home run was his fourth on the season, breaking a tie with Chris Shull for most on the team.
- Lubbock Christian pitchers faced 42 Arkansas-Fort Smith hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out seven.
- The Chaps stranded seven runners on base in the contest.
- Arkansas-Fort Smith was led offensively by Blayse Quarnstrom, who went 1-for-4 with a home run and four RBI.
- Grant Shankle led the Lions pitching staff, throwing six innings of three-run ball.
UP NEXT
The Chaps look to bounce back tomorrow as they square off with the Lions in a double header. Game one is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. at Hays Field.
