CANYON – Late strikeouts hindered any chance of a Tarleton rally as the Texans fell 3-2 to West Texas A&M in the opener of this weekend's four-game, non-conference series at Wilder Park.
 
"Tonight, we saw two good teams competing at a high level," said head coach Bryan Conger. "Unfortunately for us, we came out on the short end but we are proud of how the boys competed. We have an opportunity to learn from tonight and get a little better for tomorrow's games."
 
Evan Pontley got the starting nod for the Texans and was superb through 6.1 innings of work. The right-hander from Ferris allowed just three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four. He was relieved by Connor Flanagan, Trent Stafford, and Conner Fletcher, who combined to work the final two innings out of the bullpen allowing one hit, one walk, and no runs.
 
The Tarleton offense struck first with a solo home run in the top of the first from Ruben Rodriguez and then again in the third with an RBI single from Francisco Rodriguez to put the Texans on top 2-1.
 
West Texas A&M scored one in the first, fifth, and seventh to take a 3-2 lead.
 
After the Buffs took the lead in the seventh, Francisco and Ruben Rodriguez coaxed back-to-back walks with one out to give the Texans runners on first and second with one away. Ruben battled back from an 0-2 count and saw 10 pitches before earning his free base.
 
However, the Texans couldn't capitalize as back-to-back strikeouts ended the eighth and three more in the ninth sent the Texans to their first loss in eight games.
 
Francisco, Ruben, and Luis Rivas had one hit each for Tarleton.
 
The Texans and Buffs will return to action tomorrow at 4 p.m. for a doubleheader.