CANYON, Texas (April 2, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University allowed eight unearned runs in a 15-11 loss to West Texas A&M on Thursday at Wilder Park. 

The Chaparrals recorded 18 hits, including five doubles and two triples, but could not overcome an eight-run third inning by the Buffs. Despite the loss, the Chaps' offense showed resilience with consistent scoring across multiple innings.

West Texas A&M jumped to an early lead in the first inning with three runs. The Buffs rattled off a double, a triple and a homer all in a row against Chap starter Dakota McCaskill to go ahead first. 

Lubbock Christian responded in the second inning. Ryan Gargett singled and scored on a triple by Freddie Nolen. Roe Forrest doubled to bring in Nolen, and Dylan Marx added an RBI groundout. Kyle Lewis reached on an error, allowing Carlos Mauldin to score and give the Chaps the lead. 

The Buffs went scoreless in the second but took the lead for good in the third, capitalizing on errors in the third inning to score eight runs. They sent 13 batters to the plate, using six hits, two walks and a pair of Chaparral miscues to go ahead.

Needing to chip away to have a chance, LCU's offense did just that, scoring in every remaining inning of the game. The problem was, they scored just a single run in five of the final six frames, and they allowed the Buffs to score in three of their five remaining times at bat. 

LCU's seven runs in the final six innings could have erased their large third inning deficit, but Gargett's flyout in the ninth ended the game with the Chaps still down by four. 

McCaskill started for the Chaparrals, allowing six hits and nine runs, only three of which were earned, across two innings while striking out three batters. Kyle England pitched in relief, going three innings and giving up seven hits and four runs, with only two earned, while recording three strikeouts. Evan Roach closed the game with three innings of work, conceding three hits and two earned runs, alongside three strikeouts.

GAME NOTES: 
- The Chaparrals scored in each of the final six innings of the game. It marked the second time this season that the Chaps have scored in at least five straight innings, joining the Feb. 7 game against Sul Ross.
- Thursday's game was just the third time this season LCU has out-hit an opponent in a loss. They also did so on Feb. 13 against OC and Feb. 7 against Sul Ross.
- Owen Alsup's homer against his former team is the 43rd by a Chap this season. They remain atop the Lone Star Conference in that category.
- Even though he did not come into the game until the sixth inning as a pinch hitter, outfielder Aaron Morales had his first three-hit game of the season.
- This was just the fourth time this season LCU has lost when scoring at least 10 runs. They are now 7-4 in those games.

NEXT UP: 
The Chaps will look to bounce back on Friday as they take on the Buffs in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. at Wilder Park.