ST. GEORGE, Utah — Tarleton State (31-16, 11-4 WAC) closed out the series with a hard-fought win on Sunday, outlasting Utah Tech (29-19, 6-6 WAC) in a high-scoring battle at Bruce Hurst Field.
The Texans and Trailblazers entered the weekend tied-first in the WAC standings, and now Tarleton State is all alone in first place with one conference series remaining for the Purple and White.
On Sunday, the Texans jumped ahead early with a two-run third inning, highlighted by RBI knocks from Rayner Heinrich and Slade McCloud. Utah Tech responded with a big third and fourth inning to take the lead, but Tarleton State answered in a big way in the fifth.
A five-run fifth inning flipped the game, as Ike Shirey delivered a two-RBI single before Chris Ricard launched a three-run homer to give the Texans control. Tarleton State added insurance in the eighth when Heinrich crushed a two-run home run, his second big swing of the day.
At the plate, the Texans racked up 17 hits, with Jake Tatom (3-for-3, two runs, RBI), Heinrich (3-for-5, three RBI, HR), and Sergio Guerra (3-for-3, double) leading the way. Ricard also added a home run and three RBI in the win.
On the mound, Conner Doucet improved to 4-0 on the season with two innings of relief, allowing just one run. Karsen Davis provided stability late, and Anthony Treto recorded his sixth save of the year to secure the win.
Tarleton State returns to action Friday at home against UTRGV, with first pitch set for 6 p.m.
