April 24, 2005

Box Score

ARLINGTON, Texas - Texas-Arlington right-hander Grant Varnell threw his second complete-game and first complete-game shutout of his career as he limited McNeese State to just six hits and seven baserunners as the Mavs salvaged the final game of the series 5-0 Sunday afternoon at Clay Gould Ballpark.

The victory moves the Mavs to 22-22 on the season and 11-7 in Southland Conference action. The loss drops the Cowboys to 17-27 overall and 6-12 in the SLC.

Varnell improved his record to 5-2 and lowered his season ERA to 2.86. Varnell gave up two hits in the first inning and then retired the next 12 Cowboys he faced. He struck out six and walked only one while throwing only 98 pitches on the day.

UTA got on the board in the first inning as Brock Wilson singled to left center and Ryan Nelson followed with a single to left. With two outs, Brett Lewis singled to left field to plate Wilson from second.

The Mavs added some insurance in the eighth inning as Wilson started things with a single to center field and stole second. Nelson advanced Wilson to third with a single to right. Daniel Macha followed with a bunt base hit to the pitcher and then the throw sailed all the way down the right field line, Macha was at third and two runs scored. Macha was not at third long as Lewis doubled down the right field line and scored on Boomer Welles' pinch-hit single through the left side.

Wilson, Nelson and Lewis each collected two hits as the Mavs had 12 as a team. Lewis drove in two runs and Wilson scored twice.

Bryan Cartie (3-2) took the loss as he allowed just one run on six hits in six innings of work. He also led the offense with two hits.

The Mavs return to action on Tuesday as they head to Waco to take on Baylor. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Baylor Ballpark.