Eastern New Mexico Baseball | 02.28.16 | David Norton
PORTALES, N.M. — Dylan Nault extended his hitting streak to 12 games Sunday, during Eastern New Mexico baseball team's 15-4 loss to Adams State.
Greyhound assistant coach Brett Merritt said, "He [Nault] is just seeing it really well and that is the key. We joke that he never leaves the field with as much time as he puts into practicing. His approach and everything else is really locked in right now."
Nault recorded one hit in the loss for the Greyhounds (7-7). Mike McNicholl also extended his streak, with 14 consecutive games reaching base.
Nault said, "Well not thinking about the streak while I'm out there to be honest. Just taking it one at bat at a time and waiting for the right pitches."
Justin Paul led the Hounds with two hits while Paul Tapia recorded three RBIs with his lone hit of the contest. Keenan Dodd was given the loss on a day when ENMU went deep into their bullpen, throwing 8 separate pitchers.
Anthony Inge and James Thomas both had solid outings, each giving up no runs and striking out one batter. Thomas threw 2.1 innings while Inge put in two innings of work.
"There were some highlights in this game, some of our young guys really stepped up," said Merritt. "They went out, played baseball and executed out there today."
The Grizzlies (4-9) jumped out early, scoring in each of their first five innings at the plate. Putting up three runs in both the second and fifth inning, it was the fourth inning that would spell disaster for Eastern, with Adams putting up seven runs off six hits and one error.
"It was tough for us, obviously terying to sweep the series. We struggled a little bit today and they played very well, but we learned a little more about our team as a whole and there were some guys out there giving a great effort despite the score," said Merritt of the loss.
Eastern will now get a week of practice in preparation for the Lone Star Conference opener with Angelo State. They will return to action against the Rams Friday, March 4, at 5 p.m. (MT).
