Box Score Post-Game Interview
 
KINGSVILLE, Texas – A trio of Hilltoppers recorded two hits against Texas A&M–Kingsville on Saturday night at the NCAA South Central Regional, but it wasn't enough as St. Edward's tallied their first loss of the tournament to the Javelinas, 6-2.
 
Texas A&M–Kingsville got on the board first during the second inning. James Black got on base after he was walked and scored on a sacrifice fly from teammate Ryan Guedry. The Javelinas increased their lead in third inning. They recorded four hits and scored three runs and led, 4-0.
 
The Hilltoppers quickly responded during the bottom half of the third inning, scoring a run. JOE PIROZZOLO started the inning off with a bunt. He was safe at first, but a throwing error committed by the Javelinas allowed Pirozzolo to advance to third base. RYAN DOLEZAL singled to left field and recorded his 14^th RBI as Pirozzolo crossed home. St. Edward's was now down, 4-1. The Hilltoppers had an opportunity to cut further into the lead, but CUTTER RUNTE was picked off at first, and RANSOM LALONDE lined out to the short stop for the last out of the inning.
 
The Javelinas added another run in the fifth and sixth inning increasing their lead, 6-1. During the two innings, they recorded three hits and left two runners stranded.
 
DYLAN WATTS was able to provide a single up the middle of the field for the Hilltoppers during the seventh inning. Unfortunately, the Hilltoppers couldn't bring Watts home and left him stranded on first.
 
CUTTER RUNTE was able to help St. Edward's close the gap by scoring a run in the eighth inning. Runte reached base on a fielder's choice. LaLonde brought him home with a double to left field.
 
Watts started the rally in the ninth inning for the Hilltoppers with a single to the shortstop. He advanced into scoring position when Pirozzolo grounded out to the second baseman. RYAN DOLEZAL struck out swinging, and St. Edward's dropped their first game of the NCAA South Central Regional, 6-2.
 
“We didn't play our best baseball tonight,” St. Edward's head coach mentioned after the game. “Although it is frustrating, we still have tomorrow to fight and that's because we have been playing good baseball.” Penders added.
 
“We had some good things happen to us tonight and we need to carry that over to tomorrow. There are three good teams remaining who all have one day left in their season thus far, and we hope we are the ones that come out on top after tomorrow is through.”
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action today to face IH-35 rival and conference foe St. Mary's in an elimination game. The winner will play Texas A&M–Kingsville for the right to go to the College World Series. The first pitch is set to be thrown at 1 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.