Box Score Post-Game Interview

KINGSVILLE, Texas – Brandon Easterling went eight innings and led the Hilltoppers to a 5-4 win over Angelo State during the opening round of the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament.  
 
Easterling started strong, allowing one hit through the first two innings of action. The lone hit came in the first inning, but no damage was surrendered as he struck out the final batter of the inning.
 
The Hilltoppers used the second inning to build a 3-0 lead. MARSHALL BURFORD got things going with a double down the left field line. DYLAN WATTS reached base after a hit by pitch and JOE PIROZZOLO followed with a double. Pirozzolo's double allowed Burford to cross home for the first run of the inning.
 
RYAN DOLEZAL flied out to left field and Watts was able to tag up and score the second run. TAYLOR JOHNSON got the final hit of the inning with a single to right field. Pirozzolo scored for the Hilltoppers increasing their lead, 3-0.
 
Easterling continued his dominance through the middle innings of play. In the third inning, he allowed only two hits with no runners reaching scoring position. Only one hit was surrendered in the fourth and fifth inning.
 
Angelo State took the lead in the sixth inning scoring four runs on three hits. St. Edward's committed two errors in the inning that contributed to the Rams scoring.
 
The Hilltoppers quickly responded in the bottom of the sixth with a solo shot to left field by Burford. St. Edward's regained the lead during the seventh inning. CUTTER RUNTE started the inning with a single to right field and advanced to second after RANSOM LALONDE had a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher. BEAU ROGERS stepped in as a pinch runner for Runte. Rogers advanced to third base on a wild pitch and scored as C.J. Manning singled up the middle. St. Edward's led at that point, 5-4.
 
AJ RATAIC came into the game during the ninth inning to try and close out the victory for the Hilltoppers. Rataic did just that by not allowing a hit in his three batters that he faced. St. Edward's took the first game of the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament, 5-4.
 
“We got some timely hitting in two strike counts that allowed us to get out to an early lead”, head coach Rob Penders said. “When they rallied back Marshall got a big home run that allowed us to answer quickly and then we fought for another run on CJ's big hit,” Penders added.
 
Coach Penders furthered his comments, “It was great to watch Brannon pitch so well on a little shorter week and see AJ close the door. It was a good start to day one of the tournament.”
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action tomorrow to face Colorado Mesa, who defeated St. Mary's, 5-2, in the opening round. The first pitch is set to be thrown at 7 p.m. at Nolan Ryan Field on the campus of Texas A&M-Kingsville. Live video and stats will be available through the Javelina Athletic Website.