Austin College Drops Series Opener at Hendrix

CONWAY, Ark. - The Austin College baseball team fell to Hendrix College by a final score of 12-2 on Thursday evening at Warrior Field in a game that ended after seven innings via the run-rule. The 'Roos drop to 16-18 overall and 13-13 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference on the season, while Hendrix improves to 20-18 and 15-13 in conference play.

Jayden Ayala-Hinojosa led the way for the 'Roos offensively, driving in both of the team's runs while going 1-for-3 at the plate with a double. Tripp Thoms also collected a double and scored a run in a 1-for-3 performance. Kaden Stegent added a hit and a run scored, while Desmond Squalls, Carlos Michinaux, and Alex Rodriguez each contributed a hit for Austin College.

Hendrix jumped out to an early lead with a four-run first inning, highlighted by a run-scoring double from Austin Rabago and a run-scoring hit by Reed Ketcham. Ketcham paced the Hendrix offense, finishing 3-for-3 with a triple and four runs batted in. Giancarlo Digiacomo and Zane Nolan also added three hits apiece for Hendrix, with Digiacomo driving in the game-ending run in the bottom of the seventh. Chase Harris scored three times and stole three bases.

Austin College got on the board in the third inning when Ayala-Hinojosa grounded out to bring home Thoms. After Hendrix extended its lead to 6-1 in the bottom of the third on a two-run triple by Ketcham, the 'Roos answered with another run in the top of the fifth when Ayala-Hinojosa doubled to score Stegent.

Jonas CeBallos started for the 'Roos and took the loss, striking out three batters over four innings. Dylan Kalmus earned the win for Hendrix, allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts over six innings of work. The two teams will play again on Saturday in the final two games of the regular season, with the 'Roos needing to sweep to clinch a spot in the SCAC Tournament next week.