THE RUNDOWN
In their first road game since March 9, the No. 17 Patriots (16-8, 2-1 CUSA) found no luck at Crutcher Scott Field in Abilene, Texas, falling to Abilene Christian (16-9, 1-2 WAC) 7-1. Tom Poole continued his prowess at the plate, notching two hits and an RBI in five at-bats.
 
Michael Dattalo started the night by working a six-pitch walk and became the first run when he came around to score on an RBI single by the two-hole hitter, Tom Poole. The Patriots threatened for more, but a hard-luck break ended the inning. Nathan Humphreys roped a line drive, only for the Wildcats to turn an inning-ending double play as Poole, who took off on the pitch, was doubled at first.
 
ACU responded quickly, leveling the score in the home half of the first with a run on two hits and tacked on two more in the third to take a 3-1 lead.
 
The DBU offense struggled to find a rhythm, leaving nine runners on base through six frames, including bases-loaded situations in the second and sixth. Meanwhile, the Wildcats were steady at the plate, recording a hit in each of the first six innings to plate three more runs for a 6-1 advantage.
 
The bright spot for DBU came from the backend of the bullpen. The trio of Avery Duncan, Mason Swinney, and Tyler Schott threw a combined 3.2 innings of relief, holding ACU to just one run on three hits.
 
Despite the strong showing from their last three relievers, the Patriot bats could not find a hit in the late innings. Five of the Patriots' last six batted balls took flight but found the leather of Wildcat gloves, and ACU ultimately prevailed in a 7-1 contest.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Tuesday night was the 10th all-time meeting between DBU and ACU and first since 2017. The Patriots now lead the series 7-3.
- DBU was patient at the plate against the Wildcats, walking eight times opposite seven strikeouts.
- Patriot pitchers registered six strikeouts without surrendering a walk.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
10 - Nathan Humphreys has now reached base in 10 straight games.
14 - Michael Dattalo extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games.
12 - DBU and ACU used a total of 12 pitchers on Tuesday night.
 
UP NEXT
The Patriots head to Las Cruces, New Mexico, for their first Conference USA road series of the season. Game one of their series with New Mexico State (14-11, 2-1 CUSA) begins on Friday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Read Full Article