ABILENE, Texas — Sophomore righthander Jack Kimsey tossed six and two-third innings and Hardin-Simmons exploded for seven runs in the first inning en route to a season-opening win over St. Thomas on Friday night at Hunter Field in Abilene.

The Cowboys (1-0) wasted little time, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the first inning to seize control. Jacob Hollingsworth ignited the outburst with an RBI triple, Catcher Ridings followed with a three-run home run to left, and Mike Lozano went back-to-back with a solo shot. Justin Blancaflor later added a two-run double as the Cowboys sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning.

Hardin-Simmons added two unearned runs in the third to extend the margin to 9–2, taking advantage of a pair of St. Thomas errors.

Ridings finished 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. Hollingsworth went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Blancaflor drove in two and scored once. Lozano contributed a solo homer and finished with two hits and RayShawn Riley added a pair of hits.

Kimsey (1-0) earned the win, allowing two unearned runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings while striking out six. He did not allow an earned run. The six strikeouts tied his career high. Bradley Fletcher and Garrett Keller worked in relief.

St. Thomas (0-1) made the final inning tense by scoring five runs. Jon Torres delivered a bases-clearing triple. Torres went 2-for-5 with three RBIs, a triple and a stolen base.
Kaden Bertrand (0-1) took the loss after allowing seven runs while recording just two outs in the first inning.

The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, beginning at noon.
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