ODESSA, Texas – An eight-run sixth inning propelled the No. 9 Angelo State baseball team to a 14-4 victory over UT Permian Basin to open the 2026 season at Odessa College's Wrangler Field on Friday afternoon.

With the win, ASU goes to 1-0 overall and in Lone Star Conference play.

The Rams jumped out early in the first inning when Blake Wilhoite led off with a single to left and Austin Beck followed with a two-run home run to left-center.

After a few scoreless innings, the Rams' offense broke the game open by scoring 11 runs from the fourth through the sixth innings. Christian Garnette sparked the rally with an RBI triple in the fourth, while Wilhoite and Garrett Wallace each delivered RBI doubles during the decisive sixth inning.

Josh Reed earned the win on the mound in the season opener, working a career-high six innings. He allowed two earned runs on a home run in the sixth, scattered six hits and struck out one.

Angelo State added an insurance run in the seventh when Peyton Bush drew a bases-loaded walk to maintain the run-rule margin. UT Permian Basin scored twice in the bottom of the inning before Garrett Villa recorded a flyout to end the game.

The Rams return to action Saturday, Jan. 31, at UTPB's Roden Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

KEY PLAYERS
2B Austin Beck: 2-3; HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI
SS Payton Bush: 1-3; 2 BB, 4 RBI
LHP Josh Reed: W, 6.0 IP, 7 H, SO