PORATLES, N.M. – Trailing 5-0 after the top of the first, Eastern New Mexico Baseball scored six unanswered runs and shutout UT Permian Basin for the rest of the game to take the series opener, 6-5, on Friday night at Greyhound Baseball Field. Eastern improves to 14-13 on the season, with a 12-13 conference standing. The Falcons slip to 13-16 on the season, holding the same conference record.

The Falcons wasted no time to get on the scoreboard, registering five hits and five runs in the opening frame. UTPB was aided by a 3-run home run. The Greyhounds did pick up a run in the bottom of the inning after a pair of hits from Willie Ponce and Daniel Pruitt. Ponce doubled to left field, then Pruitt followed with a single.
 
The defense kicked in for both teams for the 2^nd and 3^rd frame, but the Greyhounds jumped on the Falcons pitching in the 4^th with five runs to take its first lead. Dylan Shea started the inning with a single, then Landon Pyles laid down a sacrifice bunt and moved to second on a throwing error, which scored Shea. Luciano Terilli followed with an RBI single, and Demetrio Archuleta singled to represent the tying run. Ponce pulled a double down the right field line to add a run, then Pruitt grounded out to tie the game at 5-5. Later with two outs and Ponce on third, a wild pitch brought him home as ENMU took the lead from the Falcons, 6-5.
 
Both pitchers for each team settled in, as the Falcons tossed four consecutive 1-2-3 innings against the Greyhounds, while ENMU made a move to the bullpen to bring in left-hander Ruger Bravo. Entering the game in the sixth inning, Bravo was effective allowing one hit through three innings, inducing a double play, and picking off a runner. Going into the 9^th frame, a two out double gave UTPB hope to extend the game as pinch hitter Brent Rigtrup entered the batter's box with the tying run on second. However, Bravo picked up a strikeout on a full count to complete a four inning save and seal the 6-5 comeback victory for the Greyhounds.

GREYHOUNDS WIN!!!

Eastern scores five runs in the 4th inning and Ruger Bravo tosses four scoreless frames in relief to earn a save.#ENMU #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/GswZGgATNP

— ENMU Baseball⚾️ (@ENMUBaseball) March 23, 2024

NOTABLE STATS

• The Falcons outhit ENMU, 11-9, with UTPB stealing two bases. The Greyhounds tallied three extra base hits, with Ponce (2) and Beau Preston collecting doubles.
• Ponce finished 2-4 at the dish scoring twice, as seven other Greyhounds recorded a base hit. Pruitt collected two of the Greyhound's four RBIs.
• Gavin Perry got the start and got the win after navigating a rocky first inning. Perry finished 5.0 innings, with nine hits allowed, five runs, and four strikeouts. Bravo completed the game, earning a four inning save with two hits and two strikeouts (both coming in the 9^th inning).
• Trevor Barth took the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) on nine hits and no walks. Bryan Adams tossed a clean 8^th inning, going 1-2-3 after a double play eliminated a hit-by-pitch.

FROM THE SOURCE

"A hard-fought win tonight and we showed some toughness that was really good to see," said Head ENMU Baseball Coach Riley Price. "They came out swinging it, putting a quick five runs up in the first. (Gavin) Perry did a great job handling that adversity and kept throwing up zeros the next four innings," said Price. "We didn't have the best night offensively but executed when we needed to. Landon Pyles with a bunt to get on base was a huge momentum shifter. Willie Ponce played outstanding at shortstop tonight, outfield of dominant, and Daniel Pruitt was tough as always behind the plate," said Price. "Lastly, Ruger Bravo was lights out on the mound for the final four innings, which was a phenomenal senior performance that we needed from him. Really proud of him and our guys for finding a way to win a close one tonight. We need to come out hot tomorrow and make a few less mistakes fielding it," said Price.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• With the victory, Perry has won his last five starts to improve his team best record to 5-2 on the season. Bravo made their first appearance from the bullpen this season and recorded their first career save for the Greyhounds.
• Ponce scored multiple runs for the 13^th time this season, and Pruitt brought home multiple RBIs for the seventh time on the season.
• Eastern continues the series on Saturday, Mar. 23, with two games scheduled between the two teams. The first game is set for 2 p.m., with the second game slated to start at 5 p.m.