After losing 10-0, 8-0 and 7-5 in the first three games, the Westerners (2-16) claimed a see-saw battle with Howard to salvage a victory in the eighth inning of the final tilt.
“I’m happy we were able to win a close game,” head coach Billy Hefflinger said.
Shay Franks got the win, pitching the final three innings to close out a solid game from starter Cody Guzman.
“Cody threw the best he’s thrown in his two years here,” Hefflinger said. “He pitched six strong innings and Shay shut them down. To be able to have these guys step up for us is huge.”
Hefflinger said he shuffled his lineup a bit for the series, and it paid off as new leadoff hitter Landon Thompson was 3-for-5.
Tanyon Reeves went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases in three attempts, including hustling around the circuit in the eighth inning to score the winning run.
After being hit by a pitch, Reeves stole second, then third, scoring the game-winner on an errant throw home.
“It was pretty exciting, and that’s our philosophy -- to be aggressive and make them play catch,” Hefflinger said. “We needed this win. It shows the heart and character of this team. If we play solid against Odessa, we are right in the hunt for conference.”
The team will travel to Abilene Christian University for a 2:30 p.m. tilt Wednesday in a game that was originally scheduled to be at home. A collapsed steel beam at the field caused the team to relocate all home games until repairs are made, with no timetable set for a return to the home field.
The Westerners travel to Odessa JC Friday and Saturday for a four-game set.