Sports Release
March 7, 1999

N.M. HIGHLANDS DEFEATS ENMU
PORTALES, NM — New Mexico Highlands University scored three runs in the first inning and starting pitcher Sean Alejo held Eastern New Mexico University scoreless over the first six innings, as NMHU defeated ENMU, 11-3, Mar. 7 at Greyhound Field. The win improved the Cowboys to 4-11 on the season, while ENMU dropped to 9-11.

New Mexico Highlands added two runs in the fifth inning and one run in the seventh inning for a 6-0 lead. The Cowboys finished the game with 13 hits, but connected for extra bases just once, a double by Jeremy Watson in the fifth inning. Alejo experienced trouble in the seventh stanza, and left three runners on base for reliever Rob Dyer. All three runners scored, pulling the Greyhounds to within 6-3, but Dyer shut down Eastern the rest of the way. Alejo, who improved to 2-3 on the season, struck out 9 batters and allowed no walks in his 6-plus innings of work.

Senior center fielder Sam George (Eau Claire, WI/N.M. Military Institute) led Eastern with 3 hits in 4 at bats. He hit an RBI single in ENMU’s 3-run seventh inning. George increased his team-leading batting average to .544 (31 of 57). Ryan Collins (Sr., RF, Hesperia, CA/Victor Valley College) hit a triple for the Greyhounds to score junior third baseman Todd Carter (Chico, CA/Lassen J.C.) with ENMU’s first run. Collins crossed the plate later in the inning on a single by Jeff Thibodeaux (Jr., 1B, Apple Valley, CA/ Victor Valley College).

The Greyhounds received a 2 for 4 performance from senior left fielder Slubby Bennalley (Kirtland, NM/College of Southern Idaho). Senior shortstop Loren Wood (Everett, WA/Skajit Valley C.C.) added a double in four at bats for ENMU.

Watson led New Mexico Highlands with 3 hits in 4 at bats. He also scored 3 runs for the Cowboys. Other top hitters for NMHU were Taylor Speier, with 3 hits and 3 RBIs in 5 at bats, Ken Jorgenson, who went 2 for 4 with 2 walks, and Paul Ahearne, who went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

ENMU is idle until next weekend, when the Greyhounds host Colorado School of Mines in a pair of double-headers. The first double-header is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (MST) on Sat., Mar. 13. The teams will also play two games on Sun., Mar. 14, starting at 1:00 p.m. (MST).