Athletic Report
February 2, 2001

EASTERN NEW MEXICO LOSES PITCHING DUEL TO NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS, 2-1
STEPHENVILLE, TX — Chris Stewart (Sr., LHP, Albuquerque, NM/Manzano H.S.) and Cory Barker (Sr., RHP, Kelseyville, CA/Mendicino J.C.) combined on a 2-hitter for Eastern New Mexico University, but it wasn’t enough as New Mexico Highlands University edged the Greyhounds, 2-1, in the opening game of the Texan Club Shootout at Tarleton State University.

Ronnie Jaramillo threw a complete-game 6-hitter for NMHU, helping the Cowboys achieve victory in the pitching duel. It was the season opener for both teams. Only one of the three runs was earned. It was scored by Anthony Dunn of NMHU, who hit a 1-out homer to left field in the bottom of the first inning. Dunn’s homer tied the game, 1-1.

ENMU tallied the game’s initial run in the top of the first. David Jones (Sr., SS, Sierra Vista, AZ/Eastern Arizona), who opened the game by reaching on an error, later scored on a single by third baseman Steven Romano (So., Las Cruces, NM/Onate H.S.). Neither team scored in the second inning or in the third inning, with Matt Brown (Sr., C, Napa, CA/Diablo Valley College) of ENMU recording the only additional hit with a single to right.

NMHU moved in front in the bottom of the fourth inning, as Brandon Rice walked, advanced to second on a fielder’s choice, then took third and home when Marty Rael and David Coats reached base on consecutive two-out errors. The pair of miscues were Eastern’s only errors during the game.

The Greyhounds shut out the Cowboys the rest of the way, but were unable to tie the score. ENMU recorded a single in each of the last three innings, with the best scoring threat coming in the top of the seventh.

Romano started the inning with a single to right field. Jerry Macias (So., P, Las Cruces, NM/ Las Cruces H.S.) pinch ran for Romano, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Dallas McMann (So., DH/C, Amarillo, TX/Randall H.S.). An error at the end of the play allowed Macias to reach third. The Cowboys ended the game with a double play, by striking out Matt Sulli (Jr., CF, Carlsbad, CA/San Diego Mesa College) and catching Macias in a rundown between third and home.

Despite suffering the loss, Stewart provided a solid outing for the Greyhounds. He registered 8 strikeouts and allowed 4 walks in 4 innings on the mound. He gave up both of NMHU’s hits — Dunn’s homer and a single by Jason Fernandez. Barker pitched two scoreless innings, earning 2 strikeouts and allowing 1 walk. Jaramillo faced 25 batters and recorded 4 strikeouts, while giving up 2 walks.

He did not allow ENMU an extra-base hit. Romano was Eastern’s top offensive threat, as he produced 3 hits in 3 at bats. Brown, 2 for 2, and Andy Hostetler (Sr., RF, Albuquerque, NM/Valley H.S.), 1 for 2, also achieved hits for the Greyhounds. Dunn earned 1 hit in 2 at bats for the Cowboys, while Fernandez was credited with 1 hit in 3 at bats.

ENMU concludes the first day of the Texan Club Shootout tonight (Feb. 2) against host Tarleton State at 7:00 p.m. (MST). The Greyhounds will complete the tournament with games against East Central University and St. Mary’s University on Saturday, Feb. 3. The ECU game, at 1:00 p.m. (MST), will be followed by the St. Mary’s game at 3:30 p.m. (MST).