PORTALES, NM – The Angelo State Rams returned to action against the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds on Sunday for their second doubleheader of the series. After outscoring their opponent 26-3 on Friday, the Rams plated 30 more runs on Sunday while giving up only 12, bringing the series scoring total to 56-15. Angelo State's lethal lineup was once again on display for the series twin bill, as Jacob Finke hit two home runs in the first game and then was followed by Josh Elvir hitting two of his own in the second game. With the added two home runs, Elvir overtakes his teammate Nick Seginowich and once again leads the conference in home runs at 14.
Game 1
The Rams struck with five multiple base hits in the first game of the day, two of which were Finke's home runs. After not scoring any runs in the first inning, the Rams scored in five of the remaining six innings. Strong mound performances from Josh Barnett, who earned the start, and Klay Houston kept the Greyhounds to only two runs in the game, and the Angelo State defense committed no errors behind them. Josh Barnett (4-0) pitched the first 4.1 innings and earned his fourth win of the season. The San Angelo native gave up only one run on six hits while striking out six of the eighteen hitters that stepped in the box to face him. Klay Houston entered the game in relief and gave up only run one three hits in the final 2.2 innings that he threw. The catch, however, is that Houston struck out hitters for all eight outs that he needed to collect to end the game. Five Rams had multiple hits in the game, but the headliner was Jacob Finke's 3-5, seven RBI, two home run, and three run performance. Finke's only hit that did not leave the park was a double.
Game 2
The Greyhounds were unable to find shelter from Angelo State's offensive assault in the final game of the series as the Rams once again took the win by a score of 15-10. Although ENMU had been able to tie the game up at 6-6 at one point, a five run Rams rally in the top of the eighth pushed them too far out ahead for the Greyhounds to catch up. Jackson Hardy was the RBI leader of the game with his 2-4 performance in which he drove in four runs. Josh Elvir was hot on his heels with a 3-6, three RBI, three run, and two home run game. The Rams used four different arms on the mound in getting the win as the baton was passed from Trent Baker to Andrew Croucher who would earn the win in the game. Brandon Dusenberry and Nick Coffman closed the game out. Croucher's final line read 3.1 innings pitched, three runs given up, six hits, and three strikeouts to one walk. Coffman struck out four of the seven batters he faced to close out the game.
Team Standings
The Rams move to a 34-7 overall record and 14-2 in the Lone Star Conference. With the power-filled plate performances, a Ram now leads the conference in every offensive category except steals and doubles. Josh Elvir currently wears the crown in eight categories: batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage, runs scored, runs batted in, triples, home runs, and walks. He is second in total hits.
ASU continues their road trip as they head to Stephenville to take on the Tarleton Texans in a four game series next weekend starting on Thursday, April 18 at 3 p.m.
