SAN ANGELO, Texas – The Angelo State University baseball team used an early scoring surge to defeat Texas A&M–Kingsville 16-10 in the Sunday matinee at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium.

With the win, the Rams clinch the four-game series while improving to 23-11 overall, while the Javelinas fell to 19-15.

Texas A&M-Kingsville struck first with two runs in the second inning on an RBI single and a groundout against starter David Dressendorfer, who worked 1 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on one hit and two walks.

Angelo State responded with a five-run second inning. Brett Smajstrla led off with a triple and scored on an RBI single by Payton Bush. Tate Greene and Austin Beck followed with singles to load the bases before Hunter Holt and Chase Pendley each delivered sacrifice flies. Garrett Wallace added an RBI single to cap the inning's scoring.

The Rams extended their lead in the third after loading the bases again. Blake Wilhoite was hit by a pitch, Gamaliel Jones drew a walk and Pendley added an RBI single to push the advantage to 9-2.

Both teams traded runs in the fourth. The Javelinas scored on a solo home run and an RBI single, while Greene responded with an RBI double and Holt added another sacrifice fly.

After Texas A&M-Kingsville scored in the fifth, ASU answered with three runs. Bush drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Greene followed with a two-run home run to left field to make it 13-5.

The teams continued to trade runs in the middle innings before the Javelinas cut into the deficit with a three-run home run in the eighth.

Jalen Rogers closed out the game, pitching the final 1 2/3 innings to secure the series win for the Rams.

The Blue and Gold return to the road next week, traveling to the state capital for a series against St. Edward's beginning Thursday, April 2.