MONROE, La. -- Alex Hermeling shined in his return to the hill, but the Warhawks could not overcome a pair of late three-run frames by the Antelopes in a 7-1 loss Sunday at Warhawk Field.
Grand Canyon (1-2) struck first with a unearned run in the top of the first. Chad De La Guerra drove in David Walker to give the Antelopes the early 1-0 lead.
ULM (2-1) evened the contest at 1-1 in the bottom of the first as Dalton Herrington was able to swipe third and then race home thanks to a throwing error by Grand Canyon catcher Josh Meyer.
The two teams posted zeros on the scoreboard until Grand Canyon broke through with three runs in the top of the seventh. The Antelopes were able to score a trio of runs thanks to two hits and a Warhawk error.
Grand Canyon again struck for three runs, this time in the top of the ninth, to set the final tally at 7-1.
Hermeling recorded the second straight quality start for the Warhawk pitching staff as he surrendered four hits and one unearned run with three walks and three strikeouts in six innings. The redshirt-sophomore earned a no-decision in his 91-pitch outing.
The loss was tagged to Taka High (0-1) as the southpaw allowed two earned runs (three total) on one hit and one walk. Cody Connally, Jared Dye, Justin Manton and Anthony Herrera also saw action out of the Warhawk bullpen.
Justin Stawychny led the Warhawks at the plate as he finished 3-for-4.
Coley Bruns (1-0) earned the win after pitching eight complete innings, allowing one earned run on seven hits. Bruns also struck out 10 batters.
David Walker led the Antelopes with two hits, two walks and two runs in Sunday's win.
The Warhawks will be back in action Tuesday night as they entertain Southern Miss in the fourth and final home game of the opening season homestand.
For updates throughout the season on the ULM baseball team, be sure to follow the squad on twitter @ULM_BSB.
Support the Warhawks through participation in the Athletic Foundation, join the ULMAF by calling 318-342-5415. Be sure to cheer on your Warhawks in person; to purchase tickets, please call 318-342-3ULM or visit the athletic ticket homepage.
