SAN ANGELO - The Angelo State baseball team battled hard with West Texas A&M Saturday afternoon at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium but fell just short, losing 2-1 in the second round of the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament.
The Rams (42-14) will now play at noon on Sunday against the loser of the matchup between Lubbock Christian and Colorado Mesa.
Senior Ryan Smith started the game on the mound for ASU and had the longest outing of his career against the Buffs. Smith gave up an early run in the bottom of the first, but got out of a bases loaded jam with no further damage.
Playing as the visiting team, Angelo State started to fight back in the top half of the second, getting Jay Gonzales to second base before WTAMU pitcher Josh Payne got out of the inning. The Rams threatened again with a runner in scoring position as Tyler Coolbaugh got to second, but were unable to score again.
Smith settled down after the first inning, retiring the next nine Buffs he faced and 17 of the next 18. The only West Texas A&M baserunner in the second through sixth innings was left fielder Adam Adkins, who singled in the fifth.
The Ram offense finally broke through in the top half of the seventh inning as Gonzales reached base for the third time on the day with a walk. Senior catcher Matt Waller followed with a first-pitch double to put both players in scoring position, and a groundout from Steven Pinales brought Gonzales to the plate to tie the game.
Smith held the Buffs scoreless again in the bottom of the seventh and in the eighth, sending the game to the ninth tied at 1-1. In the bottom half of the inning, WTAMU first basemen Luis Amaro led off with a single before being lifted for a pinch runner. After a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk, the Buffs got another single to lead the bases. With Adam Adkins at the plate, a wild pitch allowed Blake Weaver to score from third, ending the game.
The outing was the longest of Smith's career, breaking his previous high of seven innings pitched against Texas A&M International. He allowed just seven hits while striking out four on the day.
The game at noon Sunday can be watched for free on AngeloSports.com and heard locally on 1260 KKSA with Jeremy Bryant on the call.
