AUSTIN - The only thing stronger than the wind in Central Texas Sunday were the Hilltoppers' bats as St. Edward's defeated Lubbock Christian 7-2 to win the series. 
 
After two scoreless innings the SEU offense really got hot in third, pushing in three runs on four hits, capitalizing on three Chap errors. 
 
The Hilltoppers matched the effort in the fourth, scoring three more runs including a two-RBI single from CHASE COS. 
 
Starting pitcher WESLEY GAFFORD remained tough on the mound throughout, holding Lubbock Christian scoreless until the seventh. LCU was able to score one with two outs until Gafford got Mendazona to fly out to left field to end the inning. 
 
TRENT ROSENAUER's RBI single up the middle got the one run back in the bottom half of the inning, pushing SEU's lead back to six, 7-1. 
 
LCU added a run in the eighth but it was too little, too late as relief pitcher AUSTIN ESSEX, closer AG AYALA and the Hilltopper defense handled the Chaps the rest of the way to secure the win. 
 
DAVIS DREWEK led at the plate, going 2-3 with two runs scored while CHASE COS was 2-5 on the afternoon with 3 RBIs.
 
Gafford earned his first win of the season, allowing just one run on seven hits with four walks and six strikeouts.
 
St. Edward's improves to 7-12 on the season and 7-11 in Lone Star Conference play. They move within three wins of number 500 for Head Coach Rob Penders. SEU returns to action on Friday, opening a three-game series against #1 Angelo State at 6:30 pm.