STERLINGTON, La. — In his second start of the year,
Houston High punched out nine batters to help lead the No. 25 Freed-Hardeman University Lions to a 7-2 victory over the Texas A&M University - Texarkansa Eagles in the first game of the Cajun Collision.
Freed-Hardeman (5-0) struck first in the home half of the first inning after
Christian Presley's walk was followed by a one-out double from
Cam Madding. Both Presley and Madding would score thanks to
William Kelley's two-run single to spot FHU a 2-0 lead.
Scoring in bunches, the Lions added two more runs to their lead over the Eagles (1-5) after a leadoff walk paid dividends when
Trace Anderson's free pass turned into a run with
Brady Spring's RBI single.
Jordan Carter's single turned into a run after being driven home by
Dawson Massengale to give the Lions a 4-0 lead after four complete innings.
The Eagles would plate two runs in the top of the sixth inning when TAMUT collected three hits including a two-run single. With the bases loaded and clinging to a two-run lead, FHU called on closer
Evan Koob, who promptly induced a groundout to leave three Eagles stranded.
FHU added breathing room in the bottom of the sixth when a dropped fly in left field turned into a run with Massengale's sacrifice squeeze bringing Carter home from third base.
Kimmey Johnson, running for Spring who tallied a second single, would score after getting caught in a rundown between third and home when a throw went wide and allowed Johnson to score.
Adam Smithson would add the seventh and final run thanks to a passed ball to finish the 7-2 victory.
Houston High (2-0) tossed a gem, striking out nine batters, allowing one walk, and surrendering three hits in five full innings of scoreless work.
Evan Koob notched his third save of the season.
William Kelley and
Brady Spring both connected for two hits, while
Dawson Massengale joined Kelley with two RBI.
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Up Next
The Lions will end their weekend in the Cajun Collision with a doubleheader tomorrow February 9, first against the Lions of Bryan (Tenn.) College at 12:00 p.m. before taking on (RV) St. Thomas (Fla.) University immediately following.
