WACO — The McLennan Highlanders dropped both games of today’s doubleheader with the New Mexico Thunderbirds at Bosque River Ballpark.
New Mexico needed two extra innings to defeat McLennan 4-3 in game one. Max Mize took the loss on the mound for the Highlanders.
McLennan began the scoring with a run in the bottom of the first as Jalen Battles tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Cole Moore.
The Thunderbirds tied the game with a run in the top of the third. Zac Vooletich and Carlos Contreras both singled. Adrian Torres followed with a single to score Vooletich.
New Mexico took the lead with a run in the fifth as Vooletich singled, moved to second on Contreras’ walk and scored on a single by David Hernandez.
The Highlanders scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game and force extra innings. Pinch hitter Matthew Miles drew a walk but was out at second on a fielder’s choice by Aidan Shepardson. Spencer Wionzek and Jordan Yeatts both walked to load the bases. Shepardson then scored on a wild pitch.
The Thunderbirds regained the lead with a run in the eighth as Hernandez walked, moved around to third on a pair of wild pitches and scored on a single by Junior Ramirez.
McLennan tied the game again in the bottom of the eighth to force another inning. Moore drew a lead-off walk and was replaced by pinch runner Ryan Neitsch. Neitsch then moved to second on a ground out by Brett Squires and scored on a single by Thomas Santos.
New Mexico scored the winning run in top of the ninth inning. Vooletich was safe at first on an error and advanced around to third on another error. Hernandez’ sacrifice fly brought Vooletich in to score.
The Thunderbirds shutout the Highlanders 3-0 in the nightcap with Mason Hilton taking the loss.
New Mexico’s first two runs came in the fifth inning as Rody Barker and Vooletich both walked, advanced on a passed ball and scored on a single by Contreras.
The Thunderbirds’ final run came in the sixth as Joab Gonzalez singled, moved to second on a Highlander error and scored on a single by Barker.
McLennan returns to action Monday, traveling to Brenham for a 4 p.m. game at Blinn.
