No. 16 NMJC drops two more, swept by Midland

MIDLAND, Texas — The No. 16 New Mexico Junior College baseball team dropped a pair of games to Midland 5-0 and 11-2 on Saturday in Midland and were swept by the Chaps in the four-game series.

NMJC (31-16, 19-9) had just five hits in the first game with Austin Botello going 2-for-2 for the Thunderbirds to lead the way.

Fernando Fernandez-Beltran picked up the loss for NMJC, going all six innings and giving up five runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and a walk.

Bryce Kidwell got the win for Midland (28-18, 21-7), going the distance while striking out six and walking two.

Five of the Chaps' eight hits were for extra bases – including a Yahir Gurrola home run.

In the second game Midland scored nine runs in the first three innings to cruise to the 11-2 victory as the Chaps pounded out 15 hits – the third time in the series they've reached double figures in hits in a game.

Edwin Suarez got the loss, going 1 1/3 inning and giving up five runs (four earned) on five hits with one strikeout and no walks.

Jacy Cave went 2-for-4 for the T-Birds and accounted for all their offense with a two-run homer in the fifth inning.

Daniel Herrera was 2-for-3 for NMJC with two doubles while Branden Grieger was 2-for-4.

Zach Murphy went the distance to get the win for Midland, giving up two runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

NMJC hosts Odessa College noon Friday.