BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2 | BOX SCORE 3
HOBBS, N.M. (CCCTigers.com) – The Tigers took a trip down to Hobbs, New Mexico for their second series of the season against the University Of The Southwest Mustangs. This was supposed to be a four game series per usual for a beginning of the season matchup but was changed to a three game set due to travel issues for the Tigers on Thursday.
Game 1, L 12-7
Robert White started the opening game of the series for the Tigers looking to bounce back from a shaky first outing last weekend in Austin. Unfortunately, the Mustangs offense was able to strike for 5 runs in the first inning, but largely due to an error on an attempted double play with 1 out in the bases loaded. The error occurred after the Mustangs had already scored their 1st run which then made it 3-0 followed by a double to bring across 2 unearned runs. The Tigers would respond in the 3rd inning with a 2 run homerun from Kurt Ippolito to cut the lead to 5-2. However the Mustangs would respond with 3 more runs in that same inning and 1 more in the 4th and 2 in the 6th. A late surge from the Tigers offense brought a bit of momentum but would not be enough as the Tigers lost the series opener.
Game 2, W 6-1
Nick Julian took the mound for the Tigers in game 2 looking to continue his success from 6 shutout innings in the Tigers opening game of the season. The Mustangs were able to tack on a few runs early on off of an error and an RBI single in the 1st, following an RBI single in the 2nd. This would be all of the scoring until the 6th inning as both pitchers went at it throwing very well and the Tigers struggled at the plate until an RBI double from Iker Muniz got the Tigers on the board to make it 3-1. The Mustangs responded with 3 more runs in the 6th to take a 6-1 lead and the Tigers were unable to rally in the final inning, dropping the 2nd game of the series.
Game 3, W 13-4
In game 3 the Tigers really got things going both on offense and defense, building off of a 4 run 1st to start the game thanks to an RBI walk from Braedon Ulrich, an RBI groundout from James Perales, and a 2 RBI single from Mason Dean. The Tigers quickly scored 4 more runs in the 2nd inning off of 4 hits and a wild pitch to take an 8-0 lead. Nick Clayson pitched excellent for the Tigers allowing just 1 run and only 2 hits with no walk in 4 innings. As the Tigers continued to extend their lead with Braedon Ulrich’s 3rd home run of the season and a 2 run double from Kurt Ippolito, the Tigers bullpen did its job allowing just 3 runs in the final 3 innings as the Tigers cruised to a 13-4 victory avoiding a sweep.
The Tigers (3-4), turn their attention to Southwestern College this weekend for a four game series in Winfield, Kansas. The games will be streamed live on the KCAC network!
