STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Tarleton brought home 10 runs on 14 hits in a 10-6 victory over the UIW Cardinals on Friday night at the Tarleton Baseball Complex.
The Texans (12-6) used three runs in the sixth inning and four runs in the seventh to pull ahead 9-5 over the Cardinals (10-8) and ultimately win 10-6.
In the seventh inning and the game tied at 5-5, the Texan bats delivered. With two outs and
Kooper Shook and
Dylan Kurahashi-Choy Foo sitting on first and second base, UIW chose to intentionally walk Texan leadoff hitter
Mason Hammonds to load the bases. That made way for catcher
Jaime Perez, who promptly singled up the middle of the Cardinal defense to plate two runs as he showed his offensive game should not be overlooked.
The next batter was
Cris Enriquez, his first at bat of the game as he was inserted as a pinch hitter. He ripped a ball down the left field line to score two more runs on a double and help the Texans take a 9-5 lead.
Jack Wagner had four hits and three RBI for Tarleton, just a home run short of hitting for the cycle.
Dylan Kurahashi-Choy Foo added three hits and an RBI while
Trace Morrison finished with three hits as well. Enriquez and Perez each added two RBI.
Jake Burcham (W, 2-1) earned the win after throwing the final 3.0 innings allowing two runs on three hits.
Will Stevens was the Texans starting pitcher as he threw 3.0 innings allowing three runs on three hits. He struck out four and walked four.
Grant Garza proved a vital part of the Texans win as he threw the middle 3.0 innings, allowing a lone run on one hit, allowing the Texans to stay within striking distance.
UIW delivered two runs in the first inning, taking an early lead, Tarleton answered in the third inning with a two spot to tie the game.
Jack Wagner hit an RBI triple down the right field line, scoring Perez and
Cole Miears.
The Texans will look to secure a series victory on Saturday with first pitch set for 3 p.m. on ESPN+.
