Parker sets new career high as Jags sweep Southwest

HOBBS, N.M. – UHV sophomore Brady Parker left his impression on University of the Southwest's Jake Williams Field on Sunday.

The Victoria East product hurled a career-high 11 strikeouts in six innings of work as the Jaguars earned a 7-3 win and series sweep over the Mustangs.

With the win, the left-hander is now 5-2 on the mound, joining Julian Garcia and Jacob Baker as UHV pitchers with five wins this season, a mark which ranks eighth in the NAIA.

Baker earned the first save of his career after coming on to throw three scoreless innings behind Parker. The Cuero native notched four strikeouts Sunday, including three in the eighth inning to work around a bases-loaded jam and preserve a 5-3 lead at the time.

The Jaguars (19-7, 8-4) opened the scoring with a three-run first inning thanks to RBIs from Jose Montanez, Hal Perez and Kaden Fikac.

Fikac had two hits Sunday to finish the three-game series 6-for-12 at the plate with five RBIs. The Victoria native also had a double against Southwest (14-13, 5-7).

Raul Lopez extended his team-leading hit streak to 12 games after going 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of RBIs to pace UHV's offense. During that time, the senior from El Paso has hit .404 with 12 RBIs.

Hayden Leopold also extended his hitting streak to 11 games by going 2-for-4 with an RBI, three runs scored and two doubles. It was the 10^th multi-hit performance of the year and 58^th of the Columbus native's career, moving him to second all-time and four behind Dylan Blaha's record.

Jean Michael Gonzalez's RBI single in the fourth inning to score Levi Whitlock proved to be the difference in the game.

Perez cut down an 11^th would-be base stealer on Sunday, moving him to third in the nation in runners caught stealing.

The Jaguars return home for Homecoming Friday (6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (12 p.m. DH) to face No. 3-ranked LSU Shreveport. It is Free Ticket Weekend Presented by Crossroads Bank.

Friday will be Little League Appreciation and Pack the Park night as the Jaguars attempt to set an attendance record. Prior to the game, at 5:45 p.m., Little Leaguers from Victoria will be recognized with an on-field ceremony followed by a scheduled Naval Flyover during the National Anthem.

Saturday will be the university's homecoming festivities with the Royal Jaguars being announced after the first game of the doubleheader.