NACOGDOCHES, TX — Tarleton State (14-7) held off a late rally to secure a 9-8 victory over Stephen F. Austin (13-10) on Friday night at Nacogdoches, opening the series with a hard-fought win.
After surrendering an early run in the first inning, the Texans responded in the second when Cage McCloud launched a solo home run to center field to even the score. Later in the inning, Chris Ricard delivered a two-RBI double down the left field line to give Tarleton State a 3-1 advantage. Jake Tatom added to the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field, pushing the Texans ahead 4-1.
Tarleton State extended its lead in the sixth inning, with Slade McCloud highlighting the frame with a two-RBI double down the left field line. Carson Lorch followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 7-1.
Stephen F. Austin mounted a comeback in the seventh inning, scoring six runs, including a grand slam by Julian Swift to tie the game at 7-7. The Texans answered immediately in the eighth, as Rayner Heinrich delivered the go-ahead two-RBI double down the left field line to reclaim the lead at 9-7. The Lumberjacks added a solo home run in the bottom half of the inning, but Tarleton State's pitching staff held firm in the ninth to secure the one-run victory.
Jackson Elizondo earned the win for Tarleton State, improving to 1-0 on the season after tossing 0.2 scoreless innings in relief. Starter Cort Lowry turned in a strong performance, working 6.0 innings while allowing three runs on four hits and striking out four. Karsen Davis and Tai Phetluangsy also contributed key relief appearances before Ben Bosse closed out the game to record his first save of the season.
The Texans will be back in action Saturday night for game two of the series against Stephen F. Austin, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. in Nacogdoches, Texas.
