Feb. 1, 2008
2.1.08 - OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The Mid-America Christian University Evangels struggled from the plate and loss both games of a double header in their season opener against the Lubbock Christian University Chaps, Friday, Feb 1. The Chaps defeated the Evangels 6-1 in the first game and shut-out MACU 12-0 in the second game of the double-header.
"Our offense was definitely a big part of our loss," MACU Head Coach Jason Blackwell said. "It was our first game and I think that might have been a part of our offensive struggles."
The Evangels struggled offensively, going just 2-37 from the plate and scoring one run in the double header. The MACU pitchers gave up 11 earned runs, and 18 total runs in both games. The Evangels committed eight errors on the day, five coming in the second game.
In the first game, the Evangels struggled early. Senior Craig Southard got the start from the mound for MACU and gave up an earned run before giving up an out, and gave up one more run before getting the last two outs of the inning.
The Chaps and Evangels posted goose eggs in the next two innings, but LCU scored three runs in the top of the fourth inning to break the game open. Southard made the first batter of the fourth inning pop-up to right field, but gave up four runs, which included two walks and a sacrifice fly to right field.
The Chaps scored again in the top of the fifth inning, and held off a seventh inning Evangel rally to pick up the 6-1 win. Southard pitched four innings, giving up four earned runs, walking four LCU batters, and striking out one Chaps batter. Senior Jon Reed had the lone RBI for the Evangels, when Freshman Jake Scott scored on a fielder's choice.
In the second game, Senior Chad Lantz got the start on the mound and tried to help the Evangels split the double header, but the LCU batters made sure that did not happen. The Chaps scored at least one run in the first four innings of the game and capped off a seven run fourth inning with a grand slam.
LCU pitcher Matt Pointer held MACU hitless, and allowed three walks in five innings. Lantz was held to just 3.1 innings, giving up 11 runs, six of them earned. Sophomore Ryan McCoin pitched 1.2 innings in relief, giving up one earned run and striking out two LCU batters.
The Evangels open up the season 0-2, and 0-2 in Sooner Athletic Conference play.
MACU will look to avenge its loss against LCU Saturday, Feb 2 at Curtis Field on the campus of Mid-America Christian University. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.
If you are interested in playing baseball for MACU or would like more information about the baseball program, contact Coach Jason Blackwell at 405-692-3138 or via email at jblackwell@macu.edu.
