AUSTIN, Texas – The Angelo State University baseball team erupted for 15 hits and drew 12 free passes to defeat St. Edward's University 14-7 in the series opener Thursday at Lucian-Hamilton Field.

With the win, the Rams improved to 24-11 overall and 14-2 on the road while extending their winning streak to four games.

Angelo State scored the game's first seven runs, starting in the opening inning with an RBI single from Chase Pendley. Tate Greene added a run on a groundout before Pendley delivered a two-RBI double in the second. Payton Bush followed with an RBI single, while Greene and Austin Beck each added RBI doubles to cap the early surge.

St. Edward's responded with four runs on two home runs, chasing starter Josh Reed from the game. Garrett Baumann entered in relief and stabilized the outing, earning the win with four innings of work. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out four.

After a scoreless third inning, the Rams added four more runs. A wild pitch scored one before Brett Smajstrla singled in another. Beck delivered an RBI double, and Garrett Wallace capped the inning with a sacrifice fly.

The Hilltoppers trimmed the deficit to 11-7 with a run in the fifth and a two-RBI single in the sixth.

Angelo State added insurance in the seventh. Bush recorded an RBI single, Hunter Holt followed with another RBI knock, and Blake Wilhoite brought home the final run with a sacrifice bunt.

Jalen Rogers, Garrett Villa, Chance Douglas and Jude Stephens combined to close out the game as the Rams secured the series-opening win.

The Rams and Hilltoppers will continue the series with the doubleheader scheduled for 12 p.m. at Lucian-Hamilton Field.