Richland Sweeps Series, Moves Atop DAC Standings

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – Dallas College Richland held on for a 7-6 win at Dallas College Brookhaven Friday to sweep the three-game Dallas Athletic Conference series in a week the No. 5 Thunderducks vaulted to the top of the league standings.

Richland (32-12, 18-3 DAC) pounded 16 hits, including three apiece by Trey Smith, Trace Chamblee and Robby Lopez in a game where a one-run difference teeter-tottered between the two teams throughout the nine innings.

The Thunderducks responded to a 3-1 deficit after the opening inning with three runs in the top of the second to take control. They added another in the fourth to extend the lead to 5-3. After Richland went ahead 6-3 in the sixth, Brookhaven scored in both of its next two at-bats to pull within a run. Richland picked up a run in the eighth, only to have the Bears (19-23, 10-11) score one of their own in the bottom half of the frame.

But Thunderducks closer Devin Jennings, who got the win in relief in the first game of the series Wednesday at home, worked the final inning and two-thirds to notch his third save of the year. Jennings didn't allow a run or a walk, and surrendered two hits, while recording one punchout in the shut-down effort.  

Bron Farr (7-2) went the first six-and-a-third innings, allowing nine hits, five runs, four of which were earned, and no walks, while striking out two in the victory. Julian Pokorny worked an inning in middle relief, giving up a run, a hit and two walks, and struck out one.

Smith belted two doubles, Chamblee added another, and Kelton Phillips and Nick Hockemeyer each went 2-for-6 with an RBI.

It was the 26^th game the Thunderducks pounded double digit hits, and the first time in six games.

Richland will host Murray State College 1 p.m. Monday before opening a pivotal three-game series against No. 2 Dallas College Eastfield Wednesday.