Lubbock Christian tops Greyhounds

Staff report

LUBBOCK — The bottom three hitters in the Lubbock Christian batting order combined to go 6-for-12 with four runs scored and six RBIs on Tuesday and the Chaparrals, ranked No. 8 in NCAA Division II baseball, cruised to a 9-2 non-conference victory over Eastern New Mexico University.

Infielder Brett Wilhelm, catcher Josh Powe and outfielder Brett Kauten all went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Chaps (33-10), each driving in a pair of runs. Wilhelm also scored two runs, while Powe and Kauten each scored once and collected one of LCU’s five doubles.

Dalton Silva (5-1) worked four innings for the victory, allowing only an unearned run with two walks and three strikeouts. Four relievers finished it off, combining to give up four hits and one run.

Freshman right-hander Sheldon Mobley (0-1) made his first career start for the Greyhounds (22-22), but he was knocked out in a five-run second that included a two-run double from Jesse Pintado and RBI singles by Kauten, Powe and Tanner Rainey. LCU added three more runs in the third inning.

Junior right-hander Cody Pope, the third of four ENMU hurlers, worked 4 2/3 effective innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. ENMU hurlers combined for seven strikeouts and no walks.

Junior right fielder Matthew Burks, junior designated hitter Mark Foley and senior shortstop Rafael Romeo each had two of ENMU’s six hits. Burks sent the game’s first pitch into right-center for a single to extend his consecutive on-base streak (hit, walk, HBP) to 25 games.

The Hounds finish the regular season with two three-game Lone Star Conference series, beginning this weekend against Cameron. The first game is set for 6 p.m. on Friday.