The Pirates dropped both ends of the road doubleheader Sunday against #5 Crowder College, 4-3 in extra innings and 15-0. The losses move the team's overall record to 19-24 and 10-14 in region play.
In game one, the Pirates had a one run lead with one out left to record when reliever Lucas Hampton hit the Crowder batter. The Pirates turned to sophomore Andrew Faustlin to get the game's last out but he couldn't deliver, giving up a double to the gap which scored the runner from 1st base. In the top of the 8th inning, the Pirates again took a one run lead on an infield single by freshman Deric Killday. However, in the bottom of the 8th, the Pirates again forfeited the lead, this time in walk-off fashion as Crowder escaped with the 4-3 win. "It is always disappointing to lose hard fought games like the first one. Our guys competed very well and have nothing to be ashamed about," remarked Coach Hillerman.
Game two saw Crowder really put things together. "We set up big innings for them with walks especially and they took advantage of those opportunities. We seemed a bit deflated after the first game and we have to work to improve our mental toughness so that doesn't happen in the future," commented Coach Suttenfield. Angel Reyes took the loss for the Pirates.
In the double header, Derek Hussey went 4-6 with a run scored. Enrique Madera had a nice first game at the plate going 2-3 with a run scored and 2 RBI's.
The Pirates play host to Mineral Area College for doubleheaders on Monday and Tuesday before Sophomore Day Thursday against MCC-Maple Woods.
