Emporia, Kansas - Despite a strong outing on the mound from
Jimi Welsher, New Mexico Highlands fell 4-1 to Emporia State in the finale of a non-conference series Sunday morning at Turnbull Field.
Welsher delivered one of his best performances of the season, tossing a complete game while allowing four runs—just two earned—on seven hits over 8.0 innings. The right-hander did not issue a walk and struck out five, needing just 105 pitches to keep the Cowboys within striking distance throughout.
Emporia State (20-6) broke through in the second inning, capitalizing on a pair of unearned runs to take an early 2-0 lead. The Hornets added single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, but Welsher limited further damage while recording 12 ground ball outs.
New Mexico Highlands (5-20) was held in check offensively by Emporia State starter Quinton Chindamo, who struck out nine over six shutout innings.
The Cowboys broke through in the eighth inning when
Adrian Castenada doubled down the left field line, driving in
Lubby Marrujo to cut the deficit to 4-1. Castenada led New Mexico Highlands at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with the team's lone RBI.
Marrujo also reached base three times and scored the Cowboys' only run, while
Tamden Webb-Tate added a base hit. New Mexico Highlands finished the game with four hits.
New Mexico Highlands returns to Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play next weekend, traveling to UCCS for a series beginning Friday afternoon.
