SAN ANGELO, Texas – The No. 13 Angelo State University baseball team erased two deficits but ultimately fell to UT Dallas in the series opener Friday night at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium.
The loss was the Rams' third straight — their longest skid since March of last season — dropping their record to 16-7 overall.
UT Dallas struck early, scoring three runs in the first inning against
Josh Reed and reliever
Garrett Villa. The Comets added two more runs in the second against
Isaac Godard.
Angelo State answered in the bottom half of the second when
Payton Bush hit a three-run home run, his first of the season.
Chase Pendley followed with a solo home run later in the third inning to cut the deficit to 5-4.
The Rams tied the game in the fourth as Chris Bernal laid down a sacrifice bunt that allowed
Tate Greene to score.
UT Dallas regained the lead in the fifth with a two-run single and a bases-loaded walk.
Luke Spencer entered in relief and limited the damage, holding the Comets scoreless over the next 2 1/3 innings.
Angelo State rallied again in the bottom half of the fifth.
Brett Smajstrla delivered a two-run double, and Greene added an RBI groundout to tie the game.
The Comets pulled ahead for good in the ninth with a two-out home run to center field. The Rams threatened in the bottom of the inning but were unable to extend the game.
The Rams will look to bounce back on Saturday in the doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Foster Field at 1
st Community Credit Union Stadium.
