Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks couldn't overcome deficits in either game of its double-header against McMurry University Sunday as the War Hawks took game one and game two of its American Southwest Conference series.
In game one, the Eagles (5-8, 2-6 ASC) spotted McMurry University (6-9, 2-2 ASC) seven runs in the first inning and then War Hawks pitcher Juan Valdez threw a two-hitter to upend the Eagles 9-1 in game one.
McMurry took advantage of three walks, two hit batsmen and three hits in the first frame to open the game with a comfortable 7-0 lead. Ozarks would record just one hit until the seventh. In the seventh, Josh Woolly blasted a solo home run to plate one run. Brady Taylor (0-2) was tagged with the loss.
In game two, the War Hawks posted a 7-5 victory despite being out hit by the Eagles 8-6. With the game scoreless, McMurry's Chris Baker hit a sharp ball down the line that third baseman Zac Jones got a glove on, but went into left field for two runs in the third inning. McMurry would add another run in the third to move ahead 3-0. Ozarks responded with a run in the bottom half of the inning when Justin Crider ripped a triple to right field. Andrew Beck followed with an RBI to close the gap to 3-1. McMurry plated two more runs in the fourth, but the Eagles again answered with a run in the bottom half to make the score 5-2. The Eagles continued to chip away at the deficit, and scored twice in the fifth frame. Woolly had a sacrifice RBI and Ozarks would get its second run on an error. The Eagles didn't allow McMurry to score in the sixth behind a spectacular defensive play by centerfielder Jordan Jones. Jones made an over-the-shoulder catch deep in centerfield to rob a hit from Tyler Jenkins. Ozarks then recorded three hits in the bottom of the sixth, but couldn't capitalize. Zac Jones would hit a solo homer in the seventh to bring it to 7-5.
Both teams used four pitchers. Tre Crockett (1-1) took the loss for Ozarks.
Crider finished 4-for-4 at the plate in game two.
Ozarks will finish its series against McMurry March 13 in a single game beginning at noon.
