SAN ANGELO, Texas – St. Edward's baseball ended up on the wrong side of a 1-0 pitcher's duel, falling to top-seeded Angelo State to open the best-of-three series against the LSC Champion Rams. 
 
The Hilltoppers loaded the bases with two outs at the top of the first but failed to plate a run, accounting for half of their six runners stranded in the game. Angelo State starter Dax Dathe went seven innings, striking out seven with three hits surrendered, one walk, and two batters hit in the win. Luke Olson went two innings with a pair of strikeouts to earn the save. 
 
JAKUB RAYFIELD was as solid in a complete-game loss, striking out four in eight innings with four walks, six hits, and a run surrendered. 
 
Justin Harris sparked Angelo State with a one-out double down the left-field line, and Rayfield walked Ethan Flodstrom to put two on. Angelo State dialed up a double steal to move both runners into scoring position, eliminating the double play and force-out opportunities. Jacob Guerrero capitalized with a sacrifice fly to deep left-center for the game's lone run. 
 
St. Edward's sent several balls to the warning track throughout the game, but couldn't puncture the Angelo State defense in a scoreless game, going down in order in the ninth. 
 
CONNOR COX, JOSH GRAHAM, and GRAYSON THALLMAN accounted for St. Edward's three hits. DYLAN TATE drew a walk. Harris led Angelo State with two hits and the game-winning run. St. Edward's and Angelo State will resume the best-of-three series tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.