Box Score Austin, Texas - The Tiger baseball team gave up
just one hit in a 9-0 win over Howard Payne University on Friday
afternoon, opening play at the Rudy's BBQ Tornado Classic.
Trinity improved to 3-0 with the win, which was highlighted by
an outstanding pitching performance from Josh Fink.
Fink (1-0) threw eight shutout innings in the game, allowing
just one hit and one walk, and striking out nine batters. He
had a no-hitter going through seven complete innings, but allowed a
leadoff single in the eighth.
Fink actually was actually working on a perfect game through the
first five complete innings, retiring the first 17 batters in a
row. After allowing a two-out walk and an error put two
runners on in the sixth, Fink induced an inning-ending ground ball
to escape.
Both teams were held scoreless over the first six innings of
play, but Trinity took command of the game with a six-run seventh
inning. The Tigers were held to four hits through the first
six innings, but hammered out five runs in the seventh, sending 10
men to the plate.
Kevin Clements went 2-3 with one RBI and one run scored, while
Nick Pappas and Jonathan Hall both went 2-4 for Trinity.
Christian Muscarello also had two hits, while Kevin Francke scored
two runs and drew two walks to reach base all three times he came
to the plate. Pat Hirschberg drove in two runs in the seventh
inning to lead the team.
In the ninth, Franklin Bay came on in relief of Fink, retiring
the side in order to finish off the shutout win.
Trinity will play Louisiana College at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, then
will square off with hosting Concordia (TX) University at 7:00
p.m.