Alva, Oklahoma - New Mexico Highlands split Saturday's doubleheader at Northwestern Oklahoma State, winning the opener 6-1 before dropping the nighcap 4-3.
After using six pitchers in Friday's 14-inning game, the Cowboys got strong outings from both of their starters on Saturday, as each worked deep into their respective games.
The Cowboys controlled the first game behind a big third inning.
Lubby Marrujo and
Rory Swanson opened the frame with singles, and after a sacrifice,
Brin Osterman drew a walk to load the bases.
Johnathan Davis then delivered a three-run double to left-center to give Highlands the lead.
Jeremiah D'Arezzo followed with an RBI single to cap a four-run inning and put the Cowboys ahead 4-1.
New Mexico Highlands added two more runs in the fifth. Davis drove in a run when he reached on an error, and
Seth Galfano followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 6-1.
Ramon Brion made the advantage stand, turning in a complete-game effort. The right-hander allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings, striking out seven to earn the win. Davis finished with four RBIs, while Marrujo and Swanson each collected two hits.
Northwestern Oklahoma State struck first in the second game, scoring in the first on a wild pitch and adding another run in the second on a sacrifice fly to take a 2–0 lead.
The Cowboys answered in the third.
Alex Galvan singled to start the inning and eventually scored on a failed pick off attempt.
Truett Ross followed with an RBI double to right-center to tie the game at 2-2.
The Rangers pushed across a run in the fourth to regain the lead, but New Mexico Highlands tied it again in the fifth when Ross delivered an RBI single to left, scoring Galvan.
Northwestern Oklahoma State answered in the bottom of the fifth, using a walk, stolen base, and a fielder's-choice RBI to take a 4-3 lead.
New Mexico Highlands put the tying run on base in the seventh after back-to-back singles by
Lubby Marrujo and
Adrian Castenada, but the Rangers recorded two consecutive fielder's-choice outs to end the game.
Ross led the Cowboys in Game 2, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Galvan scored twice.
With the split, New Mexico Highlands moves to 3-4 on the season.
The series finale is Sunday at 11:00 am (MT).
