HAMMOND, La. – The Texans fell 2-0 on the second day of play against the Lions to tie the opening weekend series.  
 
Tarleton State (1-1, 0-0 WAC) fell short in game 2 of the series against SLU (1-1, 0-0 SLC) with a 2-0 final. 
 
Matt Haley (L, 0-1) took the mound to start the day for the Purple and White. The right-handed pitcher surpassed his career records in innings pitched (4.2) and strikeouts (4) on Saturday after spending 4.2 innings, striking out five Lions at the plate. The Crowley, Texas, native, gave up three hits, one run, and five walks. 
 
SLU claimed the first run in the opening inning with an RBI as a single to left field from the Lions' Jake Haze made room for Parker Coley to cross to plate. 
 
The Texan offense often found their way on base but failed to follow through to get on the board. Tarleton State saw a total of eight guys left on base throughout the duration of the game, five of which were in scoring position. 
 
The Lion offense saw nine left on base with four in scoring position. In the seventh inning, an error from the Purple and White put a Lion in scoring position. A single up the middle from Coley knocked in the final run for the home team. 
 
In his first time on the mound for Tarleton State, Reese Bassinger gave up three hits, one run, two walks and had one strikeout after 3.1 innings on the bump.
 
The Texans compiled five hits, five walks, and eight strikeouts. The Lions saw two runs, six hits, seven walks, and six strikeouts. 
 
Game 3 of the series will take place on Sunday at noon and will be broadcasted on ESPN+. Freshman Braydon Risley will make his first appearance to start the midday matchup.