HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State baseball dropped its home opener to Regis University on Saturday (Feb. 13) by the score of 9-2. With the loss, the Tigers now sit even on the season with a 2-2 record. Regis claimed its first game of the season, going to 1-0.
Tiger starting pitcher DJ Carr suffered his first loss of the season going just four innings. He gave up eight runs (six earned) on nine hits with just one strikeout and one walk. Will Amen, Clayton Basgall, and Connor Boyer did well in relief allowing just three hits and one run over the final four innings.
The Fort Hays State bats struggled during the chilly afternoon in Hays, collecting just two runs on five hits. A highlight of the offense was Joe Mapes’ second home run of the season, which he blasted down the right-field line in the fourth inning. Ty Redington, Austin Unrein, and Trevor Hughes also picked up singles, and Casey Sedbrook had a pinch-hit double to lead off the ninth.
Brad Thoutt picked up the win for the Rangers going six strong innings, giving up just two runs on three hits while walking five and striking out three. Will Waterman recorded the three-inning save by allowing just two hits and striking out four.
This was the first of three games being played over two days. A doubleheader will be played on Sunday (Feb. 14) starting at noon to wrap up the series. Both games will be 9-inning contests.