Box Score

Season Stats

PORTALES, N.M. – A RBI single from junior Trace Hansen in the top of the ninth inning broke a 1-1 game as visiting West Texas A&M downed Eastern New Mexico 2-1 Friday evening.  With the win, the Buffs improved to 24-13 on the year and 15-9 in Lone Star Conference play, while Eastern New Mexico fell to 11-22 and 7-14 in league play.
 
The Buffs remained a game behind TAMUK in the league standings as the Javelinas won two games against Cameron Friday.  Angelo State remains a half game behind WT at 14-9 in league play.  WT now stands at 8-9 in one run games this season. 
 
Hansen singled home junior Matt Cole who drew a two out walk in the ninth for the eventual game winning run.  In the bottom of the ninth, WT senior closer Paul Lujan relieved junior Kyle Tinius.  Lujan walked the first batter and then a sacrifice bunt moved him to second.  A fly out and ground out followed to end the game as Lujan earned his ninth save of the season.
 
ENMU jumped on the board in the fourth inning as an infield single began the frame.  Matthew Burks took second base on a throwing error by the Buffs and scored as Blake Cooper drove him in with a RBI single. 
 
WT had a great chance to take command of the game in the sixth as senior Ryan March reached on a throwing error and Cole singled to right.  An infield single by Hansen loaded the bases and an error plated the tying run for a 1-1 score.  A pair of strikeouts and a fielder's choice out ended the inning leaving the bags full.  The Buffs loaded the bases once again in the eighth, but were unable to score.
 
For the game, WT scored two runs on 11 hits with one error, while ENMU scored one run on five hits with three miscues.  The Buffs left 11 stranded, while the Greyhounds left four on base.
 
WT senior pitcher Tyler Gibson went six innings, allowing three hits, one unearned run, two walks and he fanned six as he didn't factor into the decision.  Tinius pitched two innings, allowing two hits and he struck out three as he improved to 4-1 on the year.  Lujan pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
 
ENMU starter Mike Peters went the distance allowing 11 hits, two runs – one earned, one walk and he fanned five as he fell to 0-4 on the year.
 
Offensively, Hansen went 2 for 5 with a RBI, while junior Josh Day went 1 for 5 with a RBI.  March and Cole ache scored a run in the contest. 
 
The teams will complete the regular season series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. CT.  WT has won four of the five games in the series thus far.  Links to live stats can be found at www.gobuffsgo.com.