PORTALES, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico University baseball team split Saturday’s double-header with third-ranked West Texas A&M. The Greyhounds bested the Buffs, 7-1, in game one, but were unable to hold a late 1-0 lead in the 3-1 setback in the nightcap. ENMU moves to 22-7 overall and 1-2 in Lone Star Conference action following the split.
The 6-9 hitters sparked a five-run second inning in the first game. The combination of Paul Tapia, Zach Shank, Nicholas Ankerman and Levi Shandrew went 8-for-10 with five runs and three RBI. On the mound, Austin Paisar held the Buffs in check for most of the afternoon, allowing just one run over 6.1 innings with four strikeouts to earn the win.
Eastern claimed an early 1-0 lead in game two, but was unable to hold the cushion through the contest. Pitcher Keenan Dodd stymied WT, scattering four hits over 5.0 shutout innings and stranded seven runners in scoring position, thanks in large part to eight strikeouts. Dwight Velarde was tagged with the loss, surrendering three unearned runs in the top of the sixth.
The Greyhounds return to the diamond on Sunday, March 26 in the series finale with West Texas A&M. First pitch against the Buffs is slated for 1 p.m. For all the latest news on ENMU athletics, follow @ENMUBaseball and @ENMUAthletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
