RiverHawks Fall to West Texas

AMARILLO, Texas – West Texas A&M used a five-run sixth inning to defeat Northeastern State, 10-4, in the first game of a doubleheader, Saturday afternoon at the Dilla Villa in Amarillo, Texas.

The win improves West Texas A&M to 17-17, 11-17 LSC while Northeastern State  falls to 16-26, 14-21 LSC.

The Buffaloes broke out quickly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first, two coming on a Riley Deaver triple. WT scored a single run in the second and added another run in the fourth, as Heath Baker doubled and later scored when NSU second baseman Cale Replogle dropped a Cody Wright pop.

They had an opportunity to add to their 5-1 lead, but stranded two runners on base.

WT starter Jonahan Paez allowed a solo HR to NSU’s Taylor Clark to open the fifth. After striking out two RiverHawks, he gave up a single to Eric McKinney and a double to Noah Ringenberger. He then got Chris Gallegos swinging at strikes, but his pitch got away from WT catcher Garrett Campbell, allowing McKinney to score. Paez got out of the inning with a 5-3 lead.

Paez found himself in another jam in the 6th, allowing two runners, but coaxed NSU pinch hitter Tyler Brewer to go down swinging.

The Buffs broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases with one out, sending NSU starter Josh Walker out of the game and bringing on reliever Chris Krebs to face Buff shortstop Adam DeLagarza. DeLaGarza hit a sac fly to right field, scoring Campfield from third. Robb Mann then lined a double to right field, scoring two more runs and giving the Buffs an 8-3 lead.

Krebs gave way to Jason Travis. Will Miller hit Travis’ first pitch to the wall in left center, scoring Mann from second, then Travis Hickman singled to left, scoring Miller to give the Buffs a 10-3 lead.

Paez gave way to Chad Shands in the top of the seventh and, after giving up one run, shut down the RiverHawks to preserve the win.

WEST TEXAS 10, NORTHEASTERN STATE 4

Northeastern State 000 120 1 – 4 7 1

West Texas 310 105 x – 10 12 2

Walker, Krebs (6), Tavis (6), and Terronez.  Paez (kShands (7) and Campfield. W: Paez (3-1). L: Walker (3-4). HR: T. Clark.