AUSTIN – Lubbock Christian scored three runs with two outs in the ninth inning to stun St. Edward's in the season opener Friday afternoon at Lucian-Hamilton Field.

The Hilltoppers (0-1, 0-1 LSC) took a 1-0 lead into the final frame, but were unable to hang on after the bullpen issued four walks, allowed one hit and hit one batter.

The 36th-ranked Chaps (1-0, 1-0 LSC) worked a one-out walk and then received a single from AJ Perez against Hilltopper reliever Jacob Vazquez in the decisive panel. The right-hander then struck out the following hitter, but walked the next one to load the bases. Leadoff hitter Larry Leitha worked the count full before Vasquez's payoff pitch hit him to force in the tying run.

George Mendazona also drew a walk that forced across the go-ahead score before Vasquez was lifted in favor of KOEHLER VANDAMENT. However, Vandament walked the only batter he faced that allowed another Chap runner to cross the plate. AG AYALA came on to record the final out.

DYLAN MACKIN posted a one-out single and TYLER DEAN was hit by a pitch to put the potential tying runs on base for St. Edward's in the bottom of the ninth. CHARLIE OVERSTREET reached on a fielder's choice, but Dean was forced out at second base for the second out. ZANE PHELPS then popped a foul ball just behind the plate that was grabbed by LCU catcher Luis Navarro to end the contest.

The Hilltoppers jumped out to a one-run lead in the opening stanza, as BLAKE HOLUB laced a double down the right-field line that allowed Vasquez to score from second base.

TYLER BROWN provided a strong start on the mound for St. Edward's, as the left-hander allowed one hit, walked two, hit three batters and fanned eight over five innings of work.

BEN MORALEZ and JACK GRANACK combined for three hitless innings of relief before the ball was handed to Vasquez.

Logan McCrummen (1-0) picked up the win in relief, as the righty gave up only one hit and struck out four in 3.1 frames.

Vasquez (0-1) took the loss after yielding three runs on three walks and one hit in two-thirds of an inning. He also struck out two.

St. Edward's posted five hits at the plate, including two extra-base knocks. Vazquez was 2 for 4 with a double and run scored to lead the way.

The series will continue Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.