By: Dalen Jensen
Howard Payne University baseball sent a loud message February 12 and 14 against Arlington Baptist, completing a dominant three-game sweep that showcased explosive power at the plate and strong pitching. Across the three games, the Jackets hit eight home runs and scored 34 runs, making a statement after last week’s series against Texas Lutheran.
Junior business major and third baseman Josh Lile of New Braunfels set the tone early in Game 1, launching a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. However, the Jackets could not hold the lead for long, as Arlington Baptist responded with one run in the first and five in the second to take a 6-2 lead.
The Jackets did not go away, scoring six runs over the next four innings to pull out an 8-6 victory.
Junior left-handed pitcher and allied health science major Ty Phillips of Las Vegas turned in a standout relief performance, throwing 5 2/3 innings while allowing four hits, striking out seven and giving up no runs to earn the win.
“I am pleased with my outing,” Phillips said. “I’m glad I could do my part for the team and hold ABU so we could win. This weekend was a great example of how hard we have been working. The grit and resilience from these guys is exactly the kind of fight we need as we continue through the season.”
The Jackets stayed hot in Game 2, although it did not look that way early. Howard Payne fell behind 8-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.
In the sixth, senior outfielder Jace MacKenzie launched a three-run home run to cut the lead to four, sparking the Jackets’ offense. An RBI single by senior second baseman John Garza brought in another run, followed by a three-run home run from junior first baseman Skylar Fields to tie the game.
The Jackets did not stop there, scoring 14 runs in the inning to defeat the Patriots 15-8.
In Game 3, the offense continued to roll, backed by an outstanding pitching performance from Brant Wilson. The junior left-hander was dominant, throwing six innings while allowing just one hit and two walks to help secure an 11-0 victory.
The Jackets hit four home runs in the win, bringing their weekend total to eight and completing the sweep while improving their record to .500.