WICHITA, Kan. – Sophomore Kyle Thompson scattered six hits and struck out eight to lead the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Diamond Lions to a 7-3 win against the Newman University Jets on Tuesday night at McCarthy Field.
The Lions (12-21) settled for a split in the Heartland Conference doubleheader after losing the opening game 15-13 in extra-innings. UA Fort Smith won the three-game series, however, having won the opening game 16-6 via run-rule on March 31 at Crowder Field.
Thompson (2-5) allowed three runs – two earned – and walked only two in 5 1/3 innings before giving way to reliever Zach Garling in the sixth inning. Garling allowed two hits, walked one and struck out one.
Third baseman Kori Melo was 2 for 4 with two RBI and catcher Scot Palmer was 1 for 3 with one RBI to lead the Jets (21-25), who trailed 4-0.
UA Fort Smith collected eight hits off two Newman pitchers. Jets starter Kenny Licea (1-2) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs – six earned – on six hits, walking four and striking out two in four innings.
Second baseman Blake Gaither was 1 for 3 with three RBIs to lead UA Fort Smith, while designated hitter Christian Allen was 2 for 4 with one RBI, right fielder Garret Meyer was 1 for 2 with one RBI and first baseman Gordon Miller was 1 for 3 with a solo home run.
Newman 15, UA Fort Smith 13 (8)
GAME ONE – Jets left fielder Matt Cardona belted a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off Lions reliever Drew Babcock to send Newman to the win in the slugfest.
The two teams combined for 36 hits, including eight extra-base hits, in what was a scheduled seven-inning game.
Newman collected 16 hits off six UA Fort Smith pitchers, and the Jets crushed four home runs, including three three-run blasts. Shortstop Picos Soto was 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBI, designated hitter Mike Williams was 5 for 5 with a three-run home run and Cardona was 3 for 3 with five RBI, including a three-run and a two-run home run.
Babcock (0-3) suffered the loss in 2/3 innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on two hits.
UA Fort Smith had a season-high 20 hits against Newman but only one for extra-bases. Centerfielder Marty Pick was 4 for 5 with three RBI, left fielder Dax Dupire was 3 for 5 with four RBI, first baseman Gordon Miller was 2 for 4 with two RBI and shortstop Marty Brown was 4 for 6.
Newman reliever Zach Biery (5-5) earned the win, allowing three earned runs on five hits, walking one and striking out three in two innings.
UA Fort Smith will close the regular season on Wednesday when it hosts Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 5 p.m. in one nine-inning game at Crowder Field.
