March 10, 2009

Box Score

AMARILLO, Texas - The Lubbock Christian Chaps used a seventh run second inning to defeat the Buffs of West Texas A&M, 15-0, in front of 75 fans at The Dilla Villa in Amarillo. The loss drops the Buffs to 10-15 overall while Lubbock Christian improves to 18-1 on the season.

"We didn't hit the ball very well all day" said head coach Matt Vanderburg "LCU is a great baseball team and it showed this afternoon."

LCU struck early and often on Tuesday afternoon, scoring seven runs on nine hits. The inning was highlighted by a Bo Merrell two run single through the right side followed by a Ross Blondin two RBI double to right to give the Chaps an early 7-0 lead.

The Buffs were led at the plate by Brad Elders (SO, Amarillo, Texas) and Christian Figueroa (SR, Juncos, Puerto Rico) as they combined for five of West Texas A&M's eight hits on the day.

The Chaps added to their lead in the bottom of the ninth, plating five runs on five hits to go along with one Buffalo fielding error. Lubbock Christian's five pitchers combined for an eight hit shutout where the LCU's hurlers struck out eight Buffs.

Nick Hutson (JR, Vancouver, Washington) picked up the loss on the mound (0-1) for the Buffs, giving up seven runs on eight hits in 1.2 innings of work.

"We're still having trouble picking up the third out in big situations" said Vanderburg "The series this weekend against Angelo will be a big test for the character of our team."

The Buffs return to action this weekend as they travel to San Angelo to face off with rival Angelo State in a four game Lone Star Conference series. First pitch of a doubleheader Friday is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. CST.