HOBBS, N.M. - University of the Southwest baseball (12-9, 2-3 RRAC) battled through a doubleheader with conference foe Texas College (10-8, 2-3 RRAC) and dropped pair, 5-2 and 7-3 at Jake Williams Field Friday afternoon.
 
"Hats off to Texas College for showing up to play today. Unfortunately, we did not," USW head coach Steve Appel said following the doubleheader. "We simply came out flat and failed to make any adjustments offensively. In this conference, I truly believe whoever wants it more will win. It was obvious that they wanted it more than our guys today. We can't take it as a setback, however we must continue to learn and grow as a team. This team has a lot to offer and have to believe in each other and put in the hard work. I'm confident they will respond tomorrow (Saturday)."
 
On the bump for game one was junior Kevin Whitaker. The El Paso, Texas native pitched three innings, allowed four hits and walked three while fanning four. 
 
Relieving Whitaker in the fourth inning was senior Aaron Higgins. Higgins allowed one hit, one walk and fanned six batters.
 
Senior Ean Smith went 2-for-2 and scored a run, while CJ Aviles went 1-for-3 with an RBI. 
 
The game two starter was freshman JJ Kruzel. The Little Elm, Texas native pitched a complete nine-inning game and allowed nine hits, walked two batters and struck out eight. 
 
Senior Adrian Rodriguez was 3-for-3 with one run scored, while senior JC Velasco was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
 
The Mustangs conclude the series against Texas College Saturday at noon with a doubleheader at The Jake.