GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado - The St. Edward's baseball team defeated West Texas A&M 16-5 to advance to Friday's game three matchup. 

The Hilltoppers offense wasted no time supplying runs as they took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Stacey Bailey drove in the game's first run on an RBI triple to right field, followed by Cullen Ainsworth, who singled in Bailey. 

The Buffs put up one run in the first and second innings to tie the game at 2-2, entering the third inning.

In the third, Stacey Bailey and Cullen Ainsworth each drove in a run to take a 4-2 lead. 

Two homers in the third for the Buffs gave them their first and only lead of the afternoon 5-4.

In the fourth, the Hilltoppers responded with a three-run inning of their own to retake the lead. Hunter Conner smacked a solo home run over the right-field wall to get things started. Turner Olson later singled in one run, and a bases-loaded walk brought the score to 7-5.

The Hilltoppers never looked back as they added nine runs in the last five innings to put the game out of reach for the Buffs.

On the mound, Wesley Gafford settled in and pitched a solid game allowing four earned runs on eight hits while striking out ten batters in 6.2 innings pitched. Jayson Flores pitched the final 2.1 innings allowing no runs on one hit while striking out two batters.

Offensively Turner Olson finished 4-5 with five runs batted in, Cullen Ainsworth finished 3-5 with six runs batted in, and Morgan Allen finished 4-6 with five runs scored and one stolen base. 

The Hilltoppers will be back in action Friday at 4:00 CST vs #2 Colorado Mesa. You can catch the action with live video or live stats.