Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Pearce Howard hit his second home run of the season and the University of New Orleans (11-15, 3-7 Southland) took game one against Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (16-11, 2-5 Southland) 13-8 Thursday evening at Chapman Field.
The Privateers tallied 21 hits, the most since the victory over Southern University April 26, 2016. The top of the order (Darren Willis and Howard) combined to go 8-of-12 with four runs and four RBI. Howard finished a triple shy of the cycle in the four-hit performance. Beau Bratton was 3-of-5 with two RBI and two runs, Orynn Veillon went 3-of-6 from the dish with three ribbies and Collin Morrill and Devin Morrill added two hits apiece.
With five strikeouts in 3.1 innings out of the 'pen, Matthew Gillis (1-0) picked up his first win of the season. He relieved Brayson Smith, who punched out four in 3.2 frames. Right-hander Dustin Lacze (2-2) was tagged with the loss after giving up seven runs – six earned – on 10 hits.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Privateers jumped out to a 3-0 lead after scoring two runs in the first and one in the second. After TAMUCC got a run back in the bottom of the second, New Orleans' offense exploded for five runs in the third for an 8-1 edge.
The Islanders plated three in the fourth but the Privateers responded with a run in the fifth, another in the sixth and three in the seventh, the highlight being the two-run shot off the bat of Howard for a 13-4 cushion.
The Islanders attempted a comeback with four runs in the late innings but UNO took game one 13-8.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Privateers will continue their series with the Islanders tomorrow at 6 p.m.
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