Tuesday. April 14, 2015
PORTALES, N.M. — Blake Cooper (R-Sr., Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Wilson High School / Golden West College) recorded three hits, all doubles, and a team-high four RBIs in the Eastern New Mexico University baseball team's 9-7 win over instate rival University of the Southwest Tuesday.
Cooper came up big for the Greyhounds (13-23, 8-15 LSC) against the Mustangs (10-32) scoring one run to tie the game in the first inning. The senior slugger followed that performance up with a double to centerfield in the second inning that gave ENMU the 8-2 lead.
Cody Pope (Sr., Kingman, Ariz. / Williston State College) was named the starter for the game, pitching four innings giving up two unearned runs and striking out three batters.
Elijah Cappello (Fr., Rio Rancho, N.M. / Rio Rancho High School) finished off the game, earning the three inning save on the night, giving up one earned run and striking out two batters.
"Pope gave us a quality start to the game and we relied on him to get us through the first few innings" said ENMU head coach
David Gomez. "Then Cappello comes in and as a true freshman, guts it out and finds a way to get us the win, really showing us what he's made of."
Brennen Pierson (R-Jr., Chandler, Ariz. / University of New Mexico) tied Cooper for the game high in hits, having a breakout night recording three hits, including one leadoff triple to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning. The run helped secure the Greyhound win, as the Mustangs would come back and score three runs in the sixth inning, followed by two more scores in the top of the ninth.
The Mustangs never gave up and clawed their way back to within striking distance, scoring the two runs late in the ninth inning with men still threatening. With the bases loaded and only one out,
Keenan Dodd (Fr., Albuquerque, N.M. / Hope Christian Academy) made a great double play, getting runners out at second and first to end the ninth inning and give the Greyhounds the win.
Sean Gahan (R-Sr., Albuquerque, N.M. / Sandia High School) made only his second start of the season and had an impact on all aspects of the game, reaching base twice and scoring both times as well as making several defensive play. Gahan led the team with six assists, no errors and two put outs of his own.
"He's a great player. Sometimes people don't see how hard players work and Gahan works his tail off and makes the most of every opportunity," said Gomez.
The Greyhounds will loot to defend their home turf this weekend, squaring off against Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The Greyhounds are still one game back from a post season spot in the Lone State Conference and will look to climb the standings against the Javelinas.
