Highlands crushes Hounds

LAS VEGAS, N.M — New Mexico Highlands had a run on the board before getting a hit on Tuesday against Eastern New Mexico University.

That was certainly bad news for the Greyhounds. Once they started raking, the Cowboys pounded out 26 hits and rolled to a 24-5 rout in a non-conference clash.

All but three of the 17 players who batted had at least one hit for the Cowboys. Right fielder Francisco Hernandez drove in six runs with a pair of two-run doubles and a two-run homer, while shortstop James Mayorga homered twice to knock in four runs.

A hit batsman, an error and two walks started a nine-run first against ENMU starter Josh Stephenson (0-3). Before the inning was over, Hernandez hit his first two-run double and Mayorga capped it with a solo homer.

Stephenson left trailing 16-1 after three innings. The Cowboys (17-13) greeted reliever Derrick Kennedy with two singles and Mayorga’s two-run homer, setting off a six-run fourth that made it 22-1.

Highlands right-hander Gilbert Palacios (3-1) cruised through five innings, allowing four hits and a run. Four relievers each worked an inning for the Cowboys.

Left-hander Dominic DiDomizo struck out four Hounds swinging in the eighth inning. Tyler Rutherford fanned leading off but reached on a wild pitch before DiDomizo struck out the next three batters.

The Hounds (15-19), who had won five of their previous six games, got two hits from five players. Designated hitter Kelton Hayes drove in three runs with a pair of singles, while freshman second baseman Sean Cruce hit a pair of RBI singles.

Shortstop Clayton Young went 2-for-2 for ENMU, extending his hitting streak to 19 games.

Left fielder Kyle Gerhart also homered for Highlands, which collected 10 extra-base hits.