TYLER, Texas – The No. 2 Angelo State baseball team dropped the series opener against No. 16-ranked UT Tyler by a final score of 5-3 on Friday night at Irwin Field.

With the result, the Rams suffer the first defeat of the season while the Patriots remain undefeated with a 5-0 record.

UT Tyler struck first in the games' opening inning as a lead off double down the left field line put a runner on for a two-out double down the right field line for a quick one run deficit.

The following few innings saw plenty action as both team were able to get runners aboard but had little to show for it as both starting pitchers managed to escape jams including the top of the fourth when the Blue and Gold were able to load the bases with two outs before a ground out ended the threat. ASU ended the night leaving, a season high, 12 runners on base.

In the ensuing inning, three singles loaded the bases for a Lane Hutchinson two RBI single through the right side to give Rams its first and only lead of the game as The Patriots responded in the bottom half with a double leading to a sacrifice fly to tie the contest.

After two quick outs, the Patriots manufactured three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning off Dax Dathe, who begin the inning in relief of Nick Wilson. Dathe pitched the final three innings of the game and allowed two hits and two walks while striking out six as he took his first pitching loss of the season. Wilson completed five innings on the mound where he allowed two earned runs off five hits while striking out five.

The Rams attempted a comeback in the top of the ninth as Austin Beck led off with a double to left center. After he stole third base, Ethan Flodstrom deposited a two-out single to center field to score Beck but a strikeout in the next at-bat brought the game to a close.

Angelo State will continue the series against UT Tyler with a doubleheader tomorrow scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. from Irwin Field.