AUSTIN, Texas — No. 26 St. Edward's didn't just finish the job — the Hilltoppers accelerated through it, unleashing relentless offensive pressure to complete a three-game series sweep of Eastern New Mexico with a 16-6 victory Saturday at Lucian-Hamilton Field.

The Hilltoppers (5-1, 5-1 LSC) scored in six different innings, erased an early deficit within minutes, and delivered the kind of layered offensive performance that turns momentum into identity.

Eastern New Mexico struck first with a three-run homer in the opening frame, but the Hilltoppers answered immediately — and decisively. DYLAN TATE doubled to spark the response, sprinting aggressively along the basepaths all day.

CONNOR COX drove in the first run, and Nicodemus Ruedas and BOSTON LEE added RBI singles as St. Edward's surged ahead with a four-run first inning to seize control.

That initial response set the tone for everything that followed.

TREVOR SEBEK extended the lead in the third inning with a solo home run to right field, and the Hilltoppers widened the gap in the fourth behind DAWSON STUTZ's RBI double and Cox's two-run groundout, pushing the advantage to 9-3.

St. Edward's continued to apply pressure in the fifth, drawing three consecutive RBI walks from Cox, BEN MERRIMAN, and AUSTIN PAGE to stretch the lead to 12-3 — a sequence that reflected the Hilltoppers' discipline and refusal to let innings end quietly.

Cox delivered the defining swing in the sixth inning, launching a three-run home run deep to right field to cap a seven-RBI afternoon and put the finishing touches on one of the most dominant offensive performances of the young season.

Cox finished 2-for-4 with seven RBIs and two runs scored, while Tate scored four runs and reached base four times, igniting the offense from the leadoff spot. Stutz added three runs scored and an RBI, and Ruedas contributed two hits and two RBIs as the Hilltoppers combined for 16 runs on 10 hits and drew 15 walks.

On the mound, CARSON BLAKELEY provided early stability, striking out nine across 4.2 innings, while GRAYSON SMITH earned the win with 1.1 scoreless innings in relief. NIC LUNA closed the door with 1.1 shutout innings to secure the sweep.

More than the final margin, the series reflected something deeper: a lineup capable of responding instantly, extending innings relentlessly, and turning pressure into separation.

The Hilltoppers didn't just win three games this weekend — they established rhythm, reinforced depth, and continued building the foundation of a team that grows more dangerous with every inning.

St. Edward's will look to carry that momentum into its next Lone Star Conference series as the Hilltoppers continue their early-season ascent.