LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Mavericks concluded their time in California with a 4-1 loss in the series final at Long Beach State on Sunday.
Omaha is winless through its first two series of the year and is now 0-6 as the Dirtbags have yet to lose a game at 5-0-1.
Innings 1-3
Utilizing an opener for the first time this season, the Mavericks sent our
Preston Tenney in the bottom of the first where he retired the side on just five pitches. In the second, a leadoff double from
Tyler Bishop gave Omaha an early chance to score, but despite making it to third on an infield single from
Haiden Hunt, he was left stranded to end the inning.
Meanwhile,
Brayden Curtis' day began in the bottom of the second. Even though only one ball left the infield, he allowed two unearned runs after the leadoff man reached on an error. The Mavericks did get a run back in the top of the third as
Cardel Dick again came in big time to drive in
Henry Zipay, who reached on a dropped third strike, with an RBI single. Curtis then struck out the first two Dirtbags in the bottom of the inning, before getting out of a bases-loaded jam unscathed.
Innings 4-6
Another LBSU error allowed Omaha to get another man into scoring position in the top of the fourth, but opposing starter Kellen Montgomery managed to hold the Mavericks scoreless again. Curtis was more than a match for Montgomery, though, getting his first 1-2-3 inning in the fourth before ending his day with a scoreless fifth capped off by his fourth strikeout.
Innings 7-9
Following a scoreless sixth, the Dirtbags extended their lead to 4-1 in the seventh after loading the bases with no outs and bringing in two on a single and a fielder's choice.
Down by three in the top of the ninth, Omaha had one last chance to score as
Drew Lechnir laced a two-out double down the right field line, only to be left at second as the Dirtbags got out of the inning to secure the sweep.
Inside the Box Score
Through his first eight career innings pitched, Curtis has allowed three earned runs while recording seven strikeouts.
After the first six games and two series of the season, Dick has impressed at the plate with team highs in hits (five), XBHs (three), and RBIs (seven).
Up Next
The Mavericks head to St. Charles, Missouri next week to play two games each against Bradley and host Lindenwood. They will open with a split doubleheader on Friday against Bradley at 12 p.m. and Lindenwood at 3 p.m., followed by another noon game against Bradley on Saturday and concluding with a 12 p.m. contest against Lindenwood on Sunday.
