SEU Baseball splits series against Newman, continues to seek improvement

Last weekend, St. Edward’s faced off against Heartland Conference opponents, Newman University Jets, and split the series 2-2 at home; going 1-1 in both double-headers. During the first game, St. Edward’s lost by a score of 3-5 but was able to even the double-header, winning game two 13-7.

During the first double-header junior shortstop, Robbie Lammons, helped keep the offense going by hitting four of his seven at-bats along with recording an RBI.

Following the first double-header, Lammons said that energized teamwork was crucial for the team to get the win in game two.

“I think the main thing was the energy. The energy was just completely different. We really had to step up because in the first game, we really came out dead. So, we really had to step it up.”

Though game two was determined by six runs, there were stretches where the score was close enough for either team to take.

Lammons says that defense is key for wins; particularly when the game is close.

“The saying is ‘defense wins championships’ and that’s true… That’s just the main key factor for us. Staying locked in every pitch, knowing what to do with the ball if you get it…Wanting the ball every single pitch, you want to be that guy”.

In his eleventh season as the head coach for St. Edward’s, Rob Penders has noticed an issue with the team that has become a reoccurrence.

“It’s been our thing the whole year: we’ve struggled to sweep double-headers. We’re still having that challenge. Until we accomplish that, we’re going to be bumpy a little bit and that’s where we are now.”

However, along with their struggles, Penders has also noted the strengths that the team has used to push themselves forward this far into the season.

“It depends what game we play. Some games we hit really well, other games we pitch really well… It’s interesting seeing us compete and how good we can be. When they do come ready to play, we can beat anyone in the country in baseball,” Penders says.

During day two of the second double-header, the Hilltoppers managed to win game one with a score of 2-1 but came up short in game two with a score of 11-5. SEU currently holds a record of 14-11 and will look to add more wins when they face UAFS on Thursday.