Box Score The Basics
-Score: St. Edward's 3, UT-Permian Basin 1 (Game 1): UT-Permian Basin 3, St. Edward's 2 (Game 2)
-Records: St. Edward's 8-4, 5-3 HC: UT-Permian Basin 3-9, 1-7 HC
-Location: Odessa, Texas (Roden Field)
 
-Game 1-
How It Happened
-The game was all about great pitching and situational hitting for St. Edward's. Starter BRANNON EASTERLING (2-1) was dominant, allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out five in his complete-game victory.
-The Hilltoppers scored single runs in the second and third innings. After CJ MANNING led off the second with a double, RANSOM LALONDE followed with a single and Manning scored on an RBI-groundout by DYLAN WATTS. In the third inning, JOE PIROZZOLO laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to plate NATE BOBROWSKI and make it 2-0.
-LaLonde led off the fifth with a single. After being sacrificed to second and advancing to third on a wild pitch, LaLonde made it 3-0, scoring on a sacrifice fly from Manning.
-After UT-Permian Basin scratched out a run in the bottom of the sixth, Easterling buckled down and set the Falcons down in order in the bottom of the seventh for the victory.
 
Beyond the Box Score
-After struggling in his first start of the season, Easterling has rebounded to go 2-0 with 0.78 ERA and a .207 batting average against in his last three starts.
-The Hilltopper defense was solid, fielding 67 chances without making an error in both games combined.
 
-Game 2-
How It Happened
-The Hilltoppers got a great start out of normal weekday starter PAUL SMITH as the senior righthander went eight strong innings, allowing one run on just three hits, while walking two and striking out four.
-St. Edward's took the lead in the fifth inning when LaLonde reached with a two-out single and scored on a single by Manning. St. Edward's would add another run in the sixth inning when CUTTER RUNTE singled and advanced to third on an error. He would then score on a passed ball by the Falcons for a 2-0 Hilltopper lead.
-UT-Permian Basin got a run back in the bottom of the sixth inning and that set the stage for the ninth inning.
-A double by Michael Rice tied the game, 2-2, and a bases-loaded ground out by Taylor Tinley scored the winning run from third base.
 
Beyond the Box Score
-A victory on Saturday will give St. Edward's the series victory. The Hilltoppers have yet to lose a series, winning the first three series of the season, 2-1.
-Manning led the Hilltoppers at the plate, going 3-for-6 with two RBI and a run scored between the two games.
 
2013 Heartland Conference Baseball Standings
Team                           Conference             Overall
#6 St. Mary's                       9-2                       11-3
TAMU-International          7-2                       10-2
#23 St. Edward's                5-3                        8-4
UA Fort Smith                     5-4                        5-4
Newman                              4-5                        4-6
UT-Permian Basin              1-7                        3-9
Panhandle State                 0-6                        0-9
McMurry                             0-0                        5-6
Oklahoma Christian           0-0                        3-4
 
Between the Lines with Head Coach Rob Penders
Coach Penders on his team's play today:
“We got outstanding pitching today from Brannon and Paul. It's a shame we couldn't pick up two wins on the road. When you give up four runs in 16 innings of baseball, you think you would have a good shot of winning, but we didn't capitalize enough on the offensive side to get it done. We'll get back after it tomorrow and hopefully pick up a series win.”
 
Up Next
The Hilltoppers and Falcons will face off in the rubber match on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Roden Field. Live stats will be available on the Falcon Athletic Website.