Feb. 9, 2007

Final Stats

ABILENE, Texas - The College of the Southwest scored three unearned runs in the top of the ninth inning to down Hardin-Simmons, 7-6, in the season opener for the Cowboys at Hunter Field on Friday afternoon.

In the ninth inning CSW trailed 5-4 going into the inning. Alan Tuttle led off being hit by a pitch and then after a force out by Coy Lay, Josh Alcorn fielded a bunt but threw low to first to put runners at first and second. Bobby Briceno then struck out and the runners moved up on a wild pitch. Jason Marin then singled to left and Danny Ruth came in on a do or die and the ball went through him to the wall allowing all three runs to score.

HSU rallied with two outs in the ninth when Wayne Pimpton pinch hit and singled to right and Taylor Gibbs followed with a triple to left field scoring Pimpton. Blake Koch then grounded out to end the rally.

HSU had rallied to take the lead in the eighth inning. James Gage had a one out walk and Koch singled. Both moved up on a wild pitch and Trevor Bunte singled home Gage. Danny Ruth followed with a single up the middle to five HSU a 5-4 lead.

Jeff Walker was solid for the Cowboys in his first start as a Cowboy, scattering six hits in five innings of three-run work. Alcorn took the loss allowing three unearned runs.

D.J. Gambino earned the win for CSW with a one and two-third innings of relief of starter Neil Hayes.

Koch led the Cowboys with four hits on the day. He scored a pair of runs and drove in one. Ruth had a pair of hits.

HSU will play Oklahoma Baptist and Lubbock Christian on Saturday at noon and 6 p.m.