CARY, N.C. – The Angelo State baseball team suffered its first loss in the Division II National Baseball Championship on Thursday, falling to Wingate in the semifinal round 5-4 at the USA Baseball Training Complex.

ASU will now face Wingate again in an elimination game tomorrow with the winner advancing to the College World Series final.

The Bulldogs jumped out ahead early hitting a two-run home run in back-to-back innings in the third and fourth to take a 4-0 advantage.

Starting on the mound for the Rams was Benjamin Elder who tossed 4 1/3 innings with four runs off of seven hits and three walks. Pitching in relief was Austin Buley who suffered his first loss of the season to drop to 2-1 after throwing 4 1/3 with one run off of two hits and a walk.

ASU's offense finally got going in the eighth inning as Jordan Williams doubled down the right-field line to score Nick Seginowich while Parker Bramlett hit a two-RBI single to come within one run of the lead.

In the top of the ninth, Aaron Walters led off with a double to left-center before the Rams tied the game on a sac-fly by Nicholas Novak to make it 4-4.

With bases loaded, two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and a 2-2 count, the game was halted due to a rain delay that lasted just over three hours.

Once the teams got back on the field, Wingate hit a single to right field to close out the game and remain alive in the tournament. It was the third straight win or go home situation for the Bulldogs who suffered a loss to the Rams in the opening game of the tournament.

The Rams and Bulldogs will play one last time for a chance at a spot in the World Series final on Friday, game time is yet to be announced.