UAFS, Eastern New Mexico combine for 52 runs

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith baseball team and Eastern New Mexico combined to score 52 runs Sunday as the Greyhounds edged the Lions in the series finale 28-24 in Portales, N.M.

The 52 runs are the sixth most in NCAA Division II history, while 24 are the third most runs in a losing effort.

Three Lions drove in at least 5 runs, led by outfielder Blayse Quarnstrom with 6 RBI as he went 4 for 5 at the plate with a home run and 3 runs scored.

Infielder Jordon Helm and outfielder Brandon Ulmer hit back-to-back home runs in a six-run second as the Lions took a 6-2 lead. Helm hit a threerun blast to break a 2-2 tie and finished with three runs and five driven in.

Ulmer capped the inning with a solo shot and went 4 for 6 with 3 runs and 5 RBI.

Eastern New Mexico answered with nine runs in the second inning to go up 11-6.

Four innings later, UAFS went up 21-19 after scoring six runs in the sixth. Eastern New Mexico answered with six runs in the bottom of the inning and added three more to go up 28-21. UAFS scored three runs in the eighth to set the final score.

Catcher Ryan Riggs had 3 hits, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored on the day. Infielder Matt Schilling scored four times for the Lions while also adding two hits and two RBI. All nine starters collected a hit and scored a run, with eight scoring at least twice.

Luciano Terilli led Eastern New Mexico going 5 for 5, including a home run, with 5 runs scored and 9 RBI.

This was the second time this season the Lions have scored at least 24 runs and fourth game with 19 hits.

The Lions (18-18) host Cameron at Crowder Field at 1 p.m. Friday.