Jonathan Morris recorded the 4-2 complete game win for Howard Payne in game one of a non-conference double header with Austin College. The Jackets fell after a last inning rally 16-15 in game two.
In game one, Jonathan Morris gave up just two runs on five hits and struck out four to post the 4-2 win. The Jackets jumped out to a 4-0 lead after a four-run bottom of the third.
Sam Dollahite got the scoring started bringing home Colton Buzzard on a single down the right field line. Carlton Brown then singled up the middle to score Dollahite. Jake Sadler later would score on a passed ball, then an Alan Sailors walk with the bases loaded pushed home Brown.
Austin College scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings but the Jackets would hold for the 4-2 victory. Dollahite led the Jackets going 2-for-4 from the plate.
In game two, Austin College jumped out early and led 15-4 after a nine-run top of the fifth. Howard Payne would score three in the bottom of the inning to pull within eight, 15-7.
Austin College scored one in the top of the seventh to make the game 16-7. The Jackets would rally scoring eight runs, all with two outs, in the bottom of the inning to pull within one, 16-15. With Jake Sadler on second and Ben Butler at the plate, the Jackets had an opportunity to win the game. Butler would go down swinging and Howard Payne fell 16-15.
The Jackets recorded 13 hits but the HPU pitching staff would give up 16. Jake Sadler was 3-for-4 from the plate and Joshua Martinez, Colton Buzzard and Dillon McDugle each added two hits.
Howard Payne is now 17-14 overall and Austin College stands at 9-22 overall. The Yellow Jackets will have next a conference series with Texas Lutheran University on April 5-6 in Seguin, Texas.
Pictured above is Jonathan Morris during Tuesday’s game.