SAN ANGELO, Texas – A six-run fifth inning and strong pitching carried the No. 9 Angelo State baseball team to a 7-2 victory over No. 4 UT Tyler on Friday afternoon at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium in the 2026 home opener.

With the win, the Rams improve to a 3-1 record overall and in Lone Star Conference play.

UT Tyler scored the game's first runs on solo home runs in the first and fourth innings off ASU starter Josh Reed. Reed recovered to work five innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits while striking out five.

The Rams broke through in the fifth after not recording a hit through the first four innings. Chris Bernal reached on an infield single to open the frame, and pinch runner Connor DiGesualdo moved into scoring position on a hit-and-run by Tate Greene. Christian Garnette followed with an RBI double to right-center to cut the deficit in half, and Greene later scored on a wild pitch to tie the game.

After a pitching change, the Rams used small ball to take control. Hunter Holt and Blake Wilhoite laid down bunts, setting up RBI hits by Chase Pendley, Austin Beck and Payton Bush as ASU scored six runs in the inning.

The Rams added an insurance run in the eighth when Garrett Wallace and Greene hit back-to-back doubles.

Relievers Isaac Godard and Jude Stephens combined to pitch the final four innings, allowing no hits and striking out four.

The high-stakes series between Angelo State and UT Tyler continues on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.