'Roos Split with LeTourneau to Earn SCAC Series Win

SHERMAN, Texas - Austin College secured a hard-fought 9-7 victory over LeTourneau University before dropping game two of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader by a final score of 13-3 on Sunday afternoon at Sherman High School, bringing the 'Roos to 2-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play on the year.

The 'Roos overcame an early deficit in the first game with a four-run third inning and a crucial three-run fifth to secure the conference win. LeTourneau jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning following RBI doubles from Jack Kale and Jonah McDaniel, but the YellowJackets were unable to contain the Austin College lineup in the middle innings.

Austin College took the lead for good in the third, highlighted by run-scoring doubles from Kaden Stegent and Desmond Squalls. Stegent finished the game 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored, while Squalls went 2-for-5 with one RBI. The 'Roos extended their advantage in the fifth inning when Caleb Staggs drove in a run on a fielder's choice and Tripp Thoms drew a bases-loaded walk.

LeTourneau attempted a late rally, scoring two runs in the fourth inning to pull within one, fueled by an RBI single from McDaniel and a sacrifice fly by Luke Land. McDaniel led the YellowJackets' offense, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI. Despite out-hitting the Kangaroos 12-11, LeTourneau left 12 runners on base, which proved costly down the stretch. Austin College also got strong offensive contributions from Carlos Michinaux, who went 1-for-3, and Staggs finished the game driving in three runs. Keaton Bradshaw and Jorge Villalobos each had a pair of hits, and Villalobos scored three times in the win.

On the mound, Matthew Nguyen earned his first collegiate win for Austin College, pitching two innings in relief and allowing two runs on three hits. Colten Millsap earned the save, providing four scoreless innings of relief to shut the door on any LeTourneau comeback. Cullen Osterloh was charged with the loss for the YellowJackets after allowing three runs in 1.1 innings of work.

In game two, LeTourneau erupted for 14 hits and capitalized on a series of defensive miscues to defeat Austin College 13-3. The YellowJackets jumped on top early and never trailed, plating two runs in the first inning on a two-run double by McDaniel. The YellowJackets broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Kale and a two-run double by Blake Vice. McDaniel finished the game 2-for-5 with three RBI and two doubles, while Kale went 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored.

Camden Miller earned the win in relief, stifling the Austin College bats by allowing just one run on two hits while striking out five across 3.1 innings of work. Cruz Cox closed out the contest in the seventh, striking out the side to secure the run-rule victory.

Austin College struggled to find an offensive rhythm against the LeTourneau arms, managing only four hits. Squalls provided a bright spot for the Kangaroos, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Jayden Ayala-Hinojosa added an RBI single in the fourth inning, but the 'Roos couldn't get the bats going to stay within striking distance. Gavin Brady took the loss for Austin College, surrendering four earned runs on six hits in three innings.