PORTALES, N.M. – A 10-run first inning for Sul Ross State helped the Lobos power past Eastern New Mexico to open up the four-game series. SRSU earned an 11-5 win to snap a 21-game losing streak.

"We can't allow free bases," said head coach Riley Price. "We knew they were going to hit. We need to set our focus to win two games tomorrow."

Eastern gave up 10 runs in the top of the first. Micah Early got the nod on the mound for ENMU, but struggled to find the zone and gave up seven hits and was responsible for all 10 runs with seven going earned on his behalf.

SRSU registered five singles, a double, and a triple in the opening frame. Early lasted 0.2 innings and threw 49 total pitches. The Greyhounds went to Demitrius DiMatteo in relief for Early. DiMatteo changed the scope of the game by going 7.1 innings and allowing one run on four hits and three walks.

Down 10-0 going into the bottom of the first, Eastern needed to find ways to score. They ended up score one run in the first, three runs in the second, and a run in the third. In the opening frame, Gabriel Watson got ENMU on the scoreboard with a solo shot to deep center field. He now has a team-best five homers this season.

The second featured Eastern New Mexico finding ways to take advantage of Lobo miscues. Adrien Martin was hit by a pitch to open the frame and he stole second base to get into scoring position. Isaiah Figueroa started the scoring in the inning with a RBI-double. Logan Martin was the second Hound to get hit by a pitch in the sequence and ENMU quickly put both runners in scoring position after a double steal. A ground out would send Figueroa home and give Eastern a chance to get another run off an RBI-single from Grant Gilooly on the next play.

Eastern New Mexico also scored one run in the third inning after a two-out rally. Gaston Galvan drove-in Isaiah Figueroa and got the game within five runs. However, that is all the scoring that ENMU would see for the remainder of the night.

Both Watson and Figueroa would tally a team-best two hits. The 6, 7, 8, and 9-hole hitters would combine for five of the team's seven hits. One important stat is that ENMU left nine runners on base.

SRSU earned their second win of the season in the game. They had a strong pitching outing from Jacob Schwope who went 4.2 innings giving up one run (unearned) on three walks and two hits. He struck out five Hounds in the appearance.

Both squads will now prepare for a Saturday doubleheader with first pitch coming at 2 p.m.