STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State (17-8) broke a 1-1 tied game in the seventh with a six-spot to help secure a 7-2 victory over Air Force (10-13) on Friday night at the Tarleton State Baseball Complex.

Air Force struck first in the opening inning, as Kayden Bradshaw flied out to center before Ben Niednagel doubled down the left-field line and Wyatt Hanoian drove in the game's first run with a single up the middle to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead. The Texans responded in the fourth inning when Rayner Heinrich launched a solo home run to left field, tying the game at 1-1. That marked Heinrich's team-leading seventh home run of the season.

Tarleton State broke the contest open in the seventh inning, plating six runs on four hits. Raphael Smeenk delivered a two-RBI double to give the Texans the lead, followed by an RBI single from Kendyl Johnson. Later in the inning, Brady Englett singled to left field and advanced to second and third on an error, driving in three runs and extending the Tarleton State lead to 7-1. Air Force added a run in the eighth inning, but Tarleton State held on to secure the 7-2 victory.

The pitching staff turned in a solid collective performance, keeping Air Force off balance through the middle innings. Starter Cort Lowry tossed six innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven. Anthony Treto (2-0) earned the win in relief, working three innings with one run allowed on one hit while striking out seven. 

Heinrich finished 3-for-3 on the night with a walk, an RBI, and two runs. Englett also had a multi-hit day, going 2-for-4.

The Texans will return to action tomorrow for game two of the series against Air Force, at the Tarleton State Baseball Complex, with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.