HOUSTON, Texas – Celts baseball team dropped a hard-fought 7-5 decision to McMurry University in the opening game of their three-game conference series on Friday night at Reckling Park. The loss moves the Celts to 9-8 overall and 5-5 in SCAC play.

McMurry struck first in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs to take an early lead. However, the Celts responded immediately in the top of the first, as Dillon McKee launched a three-run home run to right field, driving in Alex Trinh and Jarod Smith to tie the game at 3-3.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the fifth, when McMurry regained the lead with two runs. St. Thomas fought back in the top of the fifth, with Dylan Lamb singling to left field to score Alex Trinh, and Gabe Garner doubling to left field to drive in Dillon McKee, tying the game at 5-5.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the eighth, when McMurry capitalized on a St. Thomas error to take a 6-5 lead. They added an insurance run in the bottom of the ninth, extending their lead to 7-5.

The Celts were unable to mount a comeback in the top of the ninth, falling just short in the series opener.

Up Next
The Celts will look to bounce back as they complete their three-game series against McMurry with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 22, at Reckling Park. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by Game 2 at 4 p.m. Follow all the action and updates by following @USTCeltbaseball on Instagram.