LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Having posted double-digit run totals in three of their previous four games, Wayland Baptist's offense hit a dry spell here Sunday afternoon while the Pioneer defense committed a couple of costly errors as WBU fell to New Mexico Highlands, 3-1.
The game was the fourth and final game of a series, which the teams split. The Cowboys (2-8) took the opener Friday, 10-8, before Wayland (8-3) swept Saturday's doubleheader, 10-8 and 15-7.
On Sunday, the Pioneers were limited to six hits, matching a season-low, and scored four fewer runs than in any prior game. Designated hitter
Brock Webber provided two of WBU's hits, while
Tyler Latham scored the lone run in the third when he walked, stole second and went home on a two-base throwing error on
Hayden Ingram's grounder to short.
Highlands scored all the runs it needed in the second, plating two. After a two-out walk, a double followed by a single and an error plated two. The Cowboys put up an insurance run in the eighth, again with two outs and following an error. A triple then finalized the scoring.
WBU starter
Victor Feliz (0-2) took the loss, allowing two runs (one earned) on 10 hits with four strikeouts and two walks in 5 2/3 innings.
Gloymer Cuevas threw the final 2 1/3, giving up an unearned run on two hits with three Ks.
Three Highlands pitchers recorded four strikeouts and four walks.
The Pioneers next play their second home series of the season against another NCAA Division II, Adams State (Colo.), next weekend at Wilder Field. Doubleheaders are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday.
