ABILENE, Texas  — Hardin-Simmons dropped a pair of run-rule games, 8-0 and 10-0, to defending American Southwest Conference champion East Texas Baptist in the conference opener for both teams on Friday at Ellis Field.

In the first game, ETBU took advantage of 12 walks and two hit batters to score eight runs on just seven hits. The Tigers scored three times in the second inning on a two-run single by Alyssa Romero and a bases loaded hit by pitch.

ETBU added a run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly and a bases loaded walk and two more in the fifth on a two-run single by Sara Clements. ETBU scored the eighth run on a bases loaded walk.

Mac Clay and Carley Willis had HSU's only two hits on back-to-back singles in the fourth inning.

Shelby Parker went the distance scattering two hits and striking out six for ETBU. Emily Hardaway allowed eight runs on seven hits and walked 12 while striking out two to fall to 1-1 on the year.

In the second game, ETBU scored eight times in the fifth inning to take command of what was a 2-0 game.

Keeley Lowrance (1-1) started and allowed six runs on five hits. Carl Swindell and Lara Ammerman worked in relief. Kelly Jo McLendon went four innings allowing no runs on one hit for ETBU to earn the win.

Kera LeLeux and Kenzie Black had the two hits for the Cowgirls. Romero and Kayla Garcia had two hits each for ETBU.

HSU is now 2-2 overall and 0-2 in league play. ETBU is 2-0 overall and in conference play. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday at noon.

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