AUSTIN, Texas – Reigning Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week
JAKUB RAYFIELD submitted another performance worthy of consideration in a 5-0 victory over Eastern New Mexico to split the doubleheader and allow St. Edward's baseball to split the series on Sunday.
Rayfield set the tone by striking out the side to open the game, catching Archuleta and Ponce looking to end the first. The 6-foot-3 right-hander retired nine of the first 11 hitters, with the second runner allowed to reach on a passed ball after striking out.
St. Edward's provided all the run support Rayfield needed in the bottom of the second.
TY MURRAY continued his early tear through the season with a one-out single through the left side, followed by a
CONNOR COX single to left field.
After a pitch hit
WESTON SYMES,
DIEGO SOLIS drew a walk to score Murry, and
KYLER KERLIN cleared the bases with a three-RBI double down the left-field line for the 4-0 lead.
Eastern New Mexico threatened in the top of the fifth, loading the bases with two outs. Terilli led off with a single to left, then Rayfield hit Poiry. Landon Pyles faked a bunt, then grounded into a fielder's choice with the out at third, and Gideon flied out to right field for two outs. Archuleta singled to left to load the bases, but Rayfield fanned Ponce to escape unscathed.
St. Edward's defense followed with the circuitous three-up, three-down inning, closing the sixth with a 4-6-3 double play.
Cox led off the bottom of the sixth with a single through the right side.
GRAYSON THALLMAN pinch-ran for Cox, and Symes moved him over with a sacrifice bunt, setting up a Solis RBI single through the left side.
One Greyhound reached in the top of the seventh, but the Hilltopper defense quickly shut Eastern New Mexico down with two consecutive outs to end the game.
Rayfield pitched the complete-game shutout with seven strikeouts, with only three hits and one walk allowed. Cox and Kerlin each hit 2-for-3 for St. Edward's. Anderson, Murray, and Solis also had hits.
St. Edward's improves to 5-8 with a 5-6 conference record. The Hilltoppers will close the series out tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.
