The Howard Payne University baseball team was able to win the series versus Sul Ross State taking the double-header in what was senior day on Friday at Don Shepard Park.

GAME 1 | Howard Payne 4, Sul Ross State 1
Brayden Ferrie was dealing for the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets in game one, allowing just one run in a 4-1 victory against the Sul Ross State Lobos.

The solid outing from Ferrie (2-6) earned him the victory on the mound for Howard Payne (10-22). The right-hander went seven innings, giving up one run on four hits, allowing one walk and striking out four.

At the plate, the Yellow Jackets were paced by Seth Bowman, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a triple and two RBI. Jackson Earle compiled a standout performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Tanner Benson also helped out for Howard Payne, putting together one hit in one trip to the plate while adding two walks.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Yellow Jackets were trailing 1-0 in the second inning when they first put runs on the board. Howard Payne got an RBI single from L. Brock, scoring Kayden Kelley from third base.

The score stayed at 1-1 until the fifth inning, when the Yellow Jackets put runs on the scoreboard once again. Howard Payne scored three runs in the frame, buoyed by a two-run triple from Bowman, which brought the Yellow Jackets lead to 4-1. The score remained 4-1 for the rest of the game, as Howard Payne held on for the win. 44 58 4 7 4

GAME NOTES
» Howard Payne’s highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed three runs across.
» Ferrie put together seven innings of one-run ball for the Yellow Jackets.
» The Yellow Jackets out-hit the Lobos at an 8-4 clip.
» Howard Payne went 3-for-6 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Howard Payne pitchers faced 27 Sul Ross State hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out four.
» Bowman led the Yellow Jackets at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBI.
» Sul Ross State was led offensively by C. Dube, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
» S. Letz led the Lobos pitching staff, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings.

GAME 2 | Howard Payne 8, Sul Ross State 2
The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets broke through after a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning to knock off the Sul Ross State Lobos 8-2 in game two.

Anthony Cook (2-2) got the win out of the bullpen for Howard Payne (11-22). The right-hander went one shutout inning, giving up one hit. Bryant Chambers started the ballgame and went 5.2 innings, surrendering one run on three hits, walking one and striking out four.

In the batter’s box, the Yellow Jackets were led by Tanner Benson, who went 4-for-5 on the day with a double and three RBI. Taylor Griner furnished a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a walk and two RBI. Kayden Kelley also helped out for Howard Payne, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 1-0, the Yellow Jackets first put runs on the board in the sixth inning. Howard Payne got an RBI single from Kelley, scoring Griner from second base.

The game remained tied until the very next inning, when the Yellow Jackets got going again on offense. which brought the Yellow Jackets lead to 4-1.

Sul Ross State narrowed Howard Payne’s lead to 4-2 before the Yellow Jackets stretched the advantage to 8-2 in the eighth inning. The Yellow Jackets bats heated up in the inning, scoring four runs, including a two-run single off the bat of Griner and a two-run single from Benson. The score remained 8-2 for the rest of the game, as Howard Payne coasted to the win.

GAME NOTES
» Benson compiled four hits on the day for Howard Payne.
» Howard Payne’s highest scoring inning was the eighth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Yellow Jackets out-hit the Lobos at a 10-6 clip.
» Benson stole two bases in Friday’s game.
» Howard Payne went 5-for-11 (.455) with runners in scoring position.
» Howard Payne pitchers faced 38 Sul Ross State hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Yellow Jackets drew seven walks from Sul Ross State pitching.
» Benson led the Yellow Jackets at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double and three RBI.
» Sul Ross State was led offensively by C. Dube, who went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

The Yellow Jackets will look to continue their momentum as they make a late push in the ASC playoffs. HPU will take on Concordia (TX) on the road next weekend.