SAN ANGELO, Texas – The No. 19 Angelo State University baseball team used timely two-out hitting and strong relief pitching to defeat West Texas A&M 5-3 in the series opener Friday night at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium.

With the win, the Rams improved to 26-13 overall, 11-9 at home and 9-2 in series openers.

Angelo State struck first in the opening inning when Payton Bush delivered a two-out RBI single to left field.

The Rams extended their lead in the second. Brett Smajstrla drew a leadoff walk, and Austin Beck followed with a two-run home run to left-center field — his team-leading fifth of the season — to make it 3-0.

West Texas A&M answered in the third, loading the bases and scoring three runs on two hit batters and a walk to tie the game before Garrett Villa entered in relief to limit further damage.

Nick Gray started for the Rams and pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on one hit and two walks while striking out two. Villa earned the win with 1 2/3 innings of relief, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one.

Angelo State regained the lead in the fourth. After loading the bases, Christian Garnette lifted a sacrifice fly and Blake Wilhoite followed with an RBI single to give the Rams a 5-3 advantage.

Garrett Baumann closed out the game, pitching five scoreless innings in relief. He allowed three hits and struck out eight to record his first save of the season.

The Rams and Buffaloes continue the series Saturday with a doubleheader. Due to expected weather, first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., with Game 2 to follow at 4 p.m. at Foster Field.