AUSTIN – St. Edward's built a 3-0 lead through the first five innings and held on for a 3-2 victory over No. 1 Angelo State to open a four-game series Friday at Lucian-Hamilton Field. The Rams (17-2, 17-2 LSC) suffered just their second loss of the season.
The Hilltoppers (10-9, 10-9 LSC) scored two runs in the third, as
JACOB VASQUEZ drove in
TYLER DEAN with single through he left-side of the infield and
MATT JIMENEZ scored on a bunt placed by
DYLAN MACKIN.
SEU added to its advantage in the fifth.
Vasquez led off the panel with a double. He then moved to third on a well-placed sacrifice bunt by Mackin.
BLAKE HOLUB pounded an 0-1 pitch into the ground and Vasquez slid in safely ahead of the throw to the plate to push the 'Toppers lead to 3-0.
JACK GRANACK had escaped trouble until the sixth inning.
He walked the first batter of the stanza, but struck out Josh Elvir on a 1-2 pitch. However, Brad Mathiowetz followed with a single. Both runners then moved into scoring position on a wild pitch, setting up two scoring chances. Nick Seginowich drove in the first runner with an infield single. Mathiowetz scored on the ensuing play off an error by St. Edward's.
Granack was able to work out of the frame though, striking out Tyler Mendoza on three pitches to quell the threat.
AUSTIN ESSEX was called out of the bullpen to pitch the seventh and eighth. He walked one but struck out two to keep SEU in front.
Vasquez then took over in the ninth, striking out two of the four hitters he faced to clinch the win and pick up the save.
Granack received the win after hurling six strong innings. He struck out six and scattered six hits and two walks.
The Hilltoppers had six hits on the day. Vasquez and Jimenez picked up two hits apiece.
The series will continue Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
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