Baseball Splits Double-Header to Open Series with Hendrix

CONWAY, Ark. - The University of Dallas baseball team opened a three-game series with Hendrix College on Saturday.  They split the double-header, losing game one 12-1 and winning game two 5-4.

Game 1 - Dallas 1, Hendrix 12 (7 Innings)

WP: Graeme Williams

LP: Bryson Bales

The Crusaders had the chance to strike first, but stranded runners on first and third in the top of the first.  Instead the Warriors took the early lead with a lead-off homer in the bottom half of the inning.

Three runs on three hits in the bottom of the second made it a 4-0 game, and that would end up being all Hendrix needed for the win.  The Crusaders scored their only run of the game in the top of the third on a double-steal by Mike Andersen and Paxton Huff, Huff scoring from third on the throw down to second to try and nail Andersen.

Hendrix continued to pile on, adding three runs in the fourth, two in the fifth, and three in the sixth.  Dallas had no answer in the top of the seventh, giving Hendrix the win via mercy.

Game 2 - Dallas 5, Hendrix 4

WP: Donnie Dycus (1-0)

LP: Jacob Wagner (0-1)

Once again, the Crusaders had the chance to get on the board first.  This time, they were thwarted by an outfield assist, as Tyler Darnell was gunned down at the plate for the third out of the inning trying to score on a double by Brett Castillo.

The sense of déjà vu was deep in the first inning.  Not only did Hendrix score first in the bottom of the first, again, but they were gunned down at the plate to end their inning as well after the throw in and relay by Caleb Hohman and Fernando Davila.

After a quiet second inning, Dallas put two runs on the board thanks to a lead-off triple by Huff.  He was brought home on  groundout by Darnell, and Andersen scored on a throwing error by the third baseman.

Hendrix answered right back in the bottom half with a two-RBI single, tying the game at 3-3.

The two teams traded blows in the fifth and sixth, giving Hendrix a 4-3 lead going into the ninth.  In the top of the ninth, Andersen and Darnell both singled with two outs, putting runners on first and third.  Darnell promplty stole second, then Andersen came home on a passed ball to tie the game.  David Saldana hit a pinch-hit single up the middle to bring home Darnell to give Dallas the 5-4 lead.

Donnie Dycus held the Warriors scoreless in the bottom of the ninth to wrap up the game and secure his first win.

Darnell went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and an RBI.  Andersen was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and two walks, scoring three of the Crusaders five runs in the game.

Up Next

The series will wrap up with a single game tomorrow (Feb. 12).  First pitch is schedule for 12:00 p.m.