SAN ANGELO, Texas – The No. 13 Angelo State University baseball team erupted for nine runs in the seventh inning Friday night to defeat Lubbock Christian 10-3 in the series opener at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium.

The Rams improved to 15-4 overall and in Lone Star Conference play.

Lubbock Christian took an early lead with an RBI single in the second inning and added solo home runs in the third and fourth to build a 3-0 advantage against Rams starter Josh Reed. The redshirt sophomore pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four.

Angelo State got on the board in the fourth. Payton Bush drew a one-out walk and advanced to third after an errant throw on his steal attempt at second. Tate Greene then reached on an error that allowed Bush to score.

The Rams broke the game open in the seventh. Brett Smajstrla and Greene opened the inning with back-to-back singles, and after a stolen base put runners on the corners, Garrett Wallace delivered a triple down the left-field line to tie the game.

Following a pitching change, Gamaliel Jones laid down a bunt single to score Wallace and give the Rams the lead. Angelo State continued to add on, scoring runs on a wild pitch and three consecutive walks. Smajstrla later lifted a sacrifice fly, Greene added an RBI single and Bush stole home to cap the nine-run inning.

Angelo State finished the frame with five hits, four walks and a hit batter while forcing three pitching changes.

Nick Gray entered in the sixth and earned the win, pitching three scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and two walks while striking out five.

The Rams and Chaparrals continue the series Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Foster Field.