Badgers hot start undone by fourth inning pitching woes

AC outhit the Thunderbirds 9-3 in game one, but fell to NMJC in improbable fashion by the score of 5-3.

The home team plated five runs in the fourth inning via four walks, three batters getting hit by a pitch, and one hit.

Chris Benavidez hit a home run during the first at-bat of the contest and Sydney Ward doubled following the Badger leadoff hitter's solo shot.

Payton Bush recorded a two-out single on a line drive to centerfield but Ward stopped at third on the play. AC led 1-0 after one inning.

Grant Watkins' two-run homer, which followed a Ward double, extended the Badgers lead to 3-0 in the third inning.

AC stranded four baserunners in the final three innings combined.

Bret Deegan made his 10th start of the season on the mound for the Badgers. The freshman allowed five earned runs, one hit, and struck out four batters in 3.2 innings.

Gabe Watson relived Deegan in the fourth inning. He allowed two hits, recorded three HBP, and struck out two batters.

Freshman Carter Beard recorded AC's final four outs of the seven-inning contest on the hill. The Abilene native tallied one strikeout and allowed no hits.