Box Score Photo Gallery
Post-Game Press Conference

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The St. Edward's baseball team dropped its opening game to Texas A&M-Kingsville, 9-2, in the 2014 DII South Central Regional Tournament Thursday afternoon at Sam Suplizio Field. The Hilltoppers are the defending regional champions. They now must play an elimination game on Friday.
 
Texas A&M-Kingsville (35-18) opened the game with two runs in the first inning on a two-run double by Brian Frazier. The Javelinas put two more runs on the board in the third inning and four more in the fourth inning to chase Hilltopper starter BRANNON EASTERLING from the game.
 
After TAMU-Kingsville added another run in the seventh inning, St. Edward's (39-15) finally got on the board in the top of the eighth. MILES WRIGHT reached on a two-out walk and was followed by KEVIN MAYO's single through the left side. WES KOENIG drove them both in with a double down the right field line. However, that is all the Hilltoppers would get in this opening game of the regionals as Javelina starting pitcher Dallas Ponder allowed just two runs on three hits, while walking two and striking out eight in eight innings of work.
 
Easterling (11-5) did not fare as well, allowing a season-high seven runs on eight hits, while walking three and striking out three batters in 3.2 innings of work. It was the first time all season that Easterling has left a ballgame before it was over. He had 15 starts and 15 complete games coming into regionals.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Friday at 3:30 p.m. MST as they will take on host Colorado Mesa. The Mavericks rallied from an 8-0 deficit to defeat New Mexico Highlands, 9-8. There will be FREE live video and stats available on the Colorado Mesa Athletic Website.