Jags bounce back to split DH with No. 13 MACU

Julian Garcia wanted the ball in one of UHV's games against No. 13-ranked Mid-America Christian University on Friday.

The senior right-handed pitcher had a strong showing against the Evangels last season, picking up a win, and thought he could replicate it.

The Houston native delivered on Friday, pitching a complete-game effort and striking out seven to earn his first win of the season in a 6-3 result to split the seven-inning doubleheader.

"It felt great," Garcia said. "I wanted this game since the schedule came out. Based on last year's performance against them, I felt good and really wanted the ball. I'm just happy I was able to execute my pitches tonight and get the win for the team."

After surrendering a two-run home run to Payton Matthews in the first inning, Garcia settled in well.

He allowed one run over the next six frames, but even the lone run over that time was a trade for a double play in the fourth inning. He picked up five of his seven strikeouts during that time, as well.

"He's gonna get the job done every single time," said head coach Jonathan Stavinoha. "We've got 100% confidence in him. (Julian) threw a great pitch on that home run and he got into it. Things happen, that's baseball.  But he came back and allowed one more run the rest of the game and we got him the run support he needed. I'm really proud of the way everybody played today."

UHV (4-1) had to bounce back, though.

The win in Game 2 came after a heartbreaking loss in Game 1 in which the Jaguars saw MACU (4-2) post six runs in the seventh inning to win 10-5.

A two-run single in the second inning by Jean Michael Gonzalez capped a four-run frame and put UHV up 4-2 at the time. Seniors Cristian Garcia and Hal Perez delivered back-to-back RBIs in the fourth inning to seal the Game 2 win for UHV.

Five Jaguars notched RBIs in Game 2.

"It's always tough when you give up a lead late in the game like that and then rolling into Game 2 of the doubleheader," Stavinoha said. "But talk about resiliency to bow our necks and get the job done. You can't say enough about how we swung the bat the second game."

Garcia went 4-for-7 with three RBIs in the doubleheader, including 3-for-3 with two RBIs in Game 1, extending his hitting streak to five games to open the year. Perez had hits in each game on Friday, extending his team-leading hitting streak to seven dating back to last year.

"I feel like I'm seeing the ball really well right now," Garcia said. "I think my teammates are putting me in good positions to bring some runs in. And I love playing here and playing with these guys. Having this brotherhood here makes me comfortable and I can have fun in the box."

Jacob Baker took the loss in the first game. Brady Parker got the start and threw six innings, allowing four runs while striking out six batters.

The Jaguars will face No. 14 Central Methodist in a 9:15 a.m. doubleheader on Sunday. MACU and CMU will meet in a noon doubleheader at Riverside Stadium on Saturday.