It was the second time in two weeks the Westerners have won back-to-back games.
Employing a “starter by committee” approach to the pitching staff, head coach Billy Hefflinger used three pitchers through the first three innings, ultimately getting quality innings from seven pitchers, who collectively allowed just six hits.
Logan Hill started and surrendered Hardin-Simmons’ only run, while Tyler Trout pitched a scoreless second inning to get the win.
Casey Mund relieved Trout in the third, and Cody Guzman, Galdino Pena and Garrett Graham combined to stifle HSU’s offense, and closer Shay Franks was credited with the save.
“It was a pitchers’ duel,” Hefflinger said. “Everybody threw well. There wasn’t much offense, but we scored enough to win, and we’ll take it. We need as many wins as we can get.”
After falling behind 1-0 after the first half-inning, WTC responded with three runs in the bottom of the first.
Chase Gilbert scored the first run on a hit by Kyle Toney and a two-base error. Jay Tust then drove in Toney with an RBI double and later scored on sacrifice bunt.
Tust, Eric Brown and Rafe Martinez each had two hits in the game.
Hefflinger also praised the glovework of his starting nine, which helped the pitching staff hold HSU scoreless over the final eight innings.
“Our defense has come around. We were kind of struggling earlier in the season, but we are right at the top of the conference in defense,” Hefflinger said. “It’s been a big help this year. Last year our defense caused our pitching to look worse than it was. This year it’s helping our pitchers.”
The WTC staff ERA has dropped to 9.13, the first time it has been under 10 since the program started.
“We’ve played our best baseball the past two weeks, and if we keep it up, we can make some noise in the conference tournament.”
WTC (9-27, 3-15) will host Howard (24-13, 14-10) in a four-game series beginning with a noon doubleheader Friday.