GLENDALE, Ariz. — Despite taking an early lead and competing through the middle innings, The University of the Southwest could not withstand a five-run surge in the fifth as the Mustangs fell 10–2 on the road Saturday afternoon at ACU Baseball Field.
Southwest struck first in the opening frame. After a pair of baserunners reached with two outs, Carlos Jaquez was hit by a pitch to force home Alex Montiel, giving the Mustangs a 1–0 advantage. Starting pitcher Isaac Horstman held the Firestorm to a single run in the first and followed with three consecutive scoreless innings to keep the game tight.
The Mustangs briefly reclaimed momentum in the fifth. Alejandro Morrison reached via a fielder's choice, stole second, and came around to score on an RBI double by Mark Gonzales, pushing Southwest ahead 2–1.
However, Arizona Christian responded with a seven-run bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on six hits, including a three-run home run, and a pair of stolen bases to take control of the game. The Firestorm added single runs in the sixth and eighth innings to extend their lead.
Offensively, Southwest tallied eight hits, led by multi-hit performances from Xavier Alvarado (2-for-4), Alex Montiel (2-for-4), and Jackson Anderson (1-for-4). Gonzales recorded the team's lone RBI hit of the day.
On the mound, Horstman (0–1) worked 4.2 innings, striking out five. Kobe Carpio, Ryland Pittman, and Marco Daub combined for the final 3.1 innings in relief.
University of the Southwest
Head Baseball Coach Steve Appel
On the weekend...
"It was a long and frustrating weekend and we didn't show up to play overall. We usually are known for playing the game extremely hard and it was the complete opposite this weekend. I've always believed the team that wants to win will win and both opponents this weekend wanted it more than our guys. We were flat footed on defense, missed too many signs, left too many pitches up when we were ahead in the count, couldn't produce with runners in scoring position, stuck out an extremely large clip, and simply never controlled the running game. There are very few teams that can win a baseball game if these things occur.
We will take the day off tomorrow and get back to work Monday with making sure we get back to playing Southwest style of baseball. It will be important that myself and the coaches come up with a plan this week to do so. "
Southwest returns to home for another non-conference matchup Tuesday against Kansas Wesleyan.
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