TYLER, Texas - Gents junior pitcher Jackie Allen was perfect through five innings and went the distance, but the Crusaders scored a single tally in the top of the eighth as Centenary (7-2) fell to Mary Hardin-Baylor (1-0).
The Gents twice had a runner 90 feet from home in the last three innings, but could not score. In the seventh with two outs, junior Cole Lavergne singled and advanced to third on sophomore Andrew Russell's double. However, Mary Hardin-Baylor starter Nathan Kent (1-0) recorded the strikeout to end the threat.
In the ninth, Centenary had the tying run at third after an error and two stolen bases. But Aaron Barteau finished the save with a strikeout.
The Crusaders scored their lone run in the eighth. With one out and one on, Austin Blanford singled to put men on the corners. Robbie Gillen then sacrificed back to the pitcher to allow Landon Dietrich to score the lone run of the ballgame.
Allen (0-2) threw a complete game five-hitter while giving up one run and struck out nine.
Centenary closes out the weekend when it plays #18 UT Tyler at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 19.
