The Lubbock Christian Chaparrals, ranked #2 in the NAIA, completed a three-game sweep of the #5 Oklahoma City Stars with a 15-14 win. The Chaps’ win streak is now 28 games, and this is the first time in school history that they swept a series against the Stars.
To pull out this win, the Chaps had to score ten runs in the sixth inning to recover from a 13-2 deficit. The comeback was led by Jaime Armendariz, who hit two home runs and batted in four runs. Will Stramp also had four RBI. Richard Navarrete got the win; he pitched the last four innings, held the Stars to two runs on six hits, and struck out nine.
Story from Lubbock Christian site: Streak to 28 to Tie School Mark…What a Game.
In other NAIA action, #11 Embry-Riddle swept a double-header at #16 Northwood (FL) 16-11 and 3-2 (8 innings). Cory Bevis and Aaron Varnum got the wins for the Eagles. Kyle Albright was 3-6 with a home run and four RBI in the first game, and Alex Guzman batted in the winning run in the second game. The Eagles have won seven straight. Story from Northwood site: No. 16 Northwood Drops Tough Double Header.
#14 Auburn-Montgomery split a double-header with #3 Lee, winning the first game 11-7, and losing the second 2-1. Shane Moye was 3-4 with a home run, a double, and four RBI for the Senators in the first game. In the second game, Flame reliever Pablo López retired all eight batters that he faced, dropping his season ERA to 0.88. Edgar Mercado batted in the winning run. It was Lee’s 40th win of the season. Story from Lee site: Flames Win No. 40 to Stay Atop SSAC.
Under NAIA qualification rules, it isn’t possible for both Lubbock Christian and Oklahoma City to go to the National Championship Tournament at the end of May, because they are both in the same region. It is also impossible for both Lee and Auburn-Montgomery to go.
