LHP Scott Crook pitched a complete seven-inning game, and held defending NAIA champion Lubbock Christian to one run on six hits to salvage a 5-1 win in the nightcap of a double-header in San Angelo, TX.
It was Crook’s first appearance for the Rams, ranked #10 in Division II by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. (#16 by Ping! Baseball, and #18 by Collegiate Baseball.) He transferred from Tarleton State this year.
The Rams got all the runs they needed in the second inning, on a wild pitch, a two-RBI single by RF Clay Puckett, and an RBI single by DH Chris Adamson. All four runs were charged to Chaparrals starter Kyle Berry, who got the loss.
The Chaparrals came from behind to get a 10-5 win in the first game. The Rams got four runs in the second inning off Chaps starter Tanner Vickers on an RBI single by Puckett, a two-RBI double by LF Travis Lites, and an RBI single by 1B Keith Towne. The Rams led 5-2 after five innings, but the Chaps took over the game with seven runs in the sixth. The inning opened with reliever Jerris Springfield walking the only batter he faced. He was replaced by Chase Barrera, who walked the bases loaded. The Chaps then scored on RBI singles by SS David Cruz, LF Austin Stewart, and RF J.J. Muse, a sacrifice fly by 1B Doug Kroll, two more RBI singles by C Joe Staley and PH Marc Gomez, and a run scored on an error. Shane Ingram got the win, and Barrera got the loss.
The split gives the Rams a record of 4-2. The Chaparrals previously split double-headers with Northwood (TX) and Texas Wesleyan, and now have a record of 3-3.
This was the first-ever meeting of these two teams. They will play another double-header in Lubbock on March 9.
Box score and play-by-play: first game second game
Story from Angelo State site: No. 18 Rams split with LCU
Upcoming key matchups: Trevecca Nazarene at Southern Polytechnic Feb. 12-13, Union at Lee Feb. 17, British Columbia at Fresno Pacific Feb. 18, Bellevue at Wayland Baptist Feb. 19-20
