SAN ANGELO, Texas – A late pinch-hit home run proved decisive as the No. 12 Angelo State baseball team fell 6-4 to Texas A&M-Kingsville in Game 2 of the Lone Star Conference Championship opening round on Sunday afternoon at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium.
With the loss, the Rams' 10-game winning streak comes to an end as they drop to 37-15 overall and 18-11 at home.
The game remained scoreless through 5 1/2 innings as Angelo State's
Nick Gray and the Javelinas' starter were locked in a pitching duel. Gray worked into the seventh inning, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out five in a no-decision.
The Rams broke through in the sixth inning.
Blake Wilhoite reached on a bunt that resulted in an error, then stole second before
Chase Pendley delivered an RBI single to center field for the game's first run.
Austin Beck followed with an RBI triple, and
Brett Smajstrla added an RBI double to give Angelo State a 3-0 lead.
Texas A&M-Kingsville responded by capitalizing on defensive miscues to tie the game heading into the seventh inning.
The Javelinas took the lead in the ninth on a pinch-hit, three-run home run.
Garrett Baumann was charged with the loss after allowing the go-ahead homer while striking out one over 2 2/3 innings of relief.
Smajstrla cut into the deficit with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Rams were unable to complete the comeback as a groundout ended the game.
The series will be decided Monday, May 4, with the winner advancing to Tyler, Texas, for the next round of the Lone Star Conference Championship. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium.
