May 2, 2009
Final Stats
San Antonio, TX - Lance Loftin blanked UTSA's scoring for four innings, all while going 4-for-6 at the plate epitomizing a two-way player and helping the Texas State Bobcats to an 11-4 victory in game two Saturday afternoon at Roadrunner Field.
The I-35 Maroon vs. Orange Rivalry Series is now tied at one game apiece with the rubber match slated for 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Roadrunner Field. The Bobcats improve to 32-12 overall and 19-6 in Southland Conference play, while the `Runners fall to 26-20 and 15-11, respectively.
Zach Tritz earned his seventh win of the season in a five-inning stint on the mound. Tritz allowed just four runs off six hits and fanned five batters in the decision.
Bret Atwood opened the game with a one-out bunt laid down the left line and Paul Goldschmidt drew a walk in the next at-bat. Spenser Dennis flew out to centerfield for the second out, but Loftin came through with the rally through the left side to score Atwood and shift Goldschmidt to the corner. The junior was brought home when Jason Martinson notched the RBI with a base hit up the middle.
UTSA managed one run in the bottom of the second, but Texas State expanded the tally with a five-run third to set the tone of the game. Again, a one-out hit came through for the Bobcats as Goldschmidt slammed Kris Ruepke's first pitch hard over the centerfield wall. Back-to-back base hits from Spenser Dennis and Loftin followed and a misplayed ball in the outfield sent Dennis home for another run. A passed ball put Loftin on third and Martinson brought him home with a double to right center.
Martinson finished the day 3-for-6 with four RBIs and a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.
Texas State's scoring did not slow down with the 5-1 lead. On two outs in the same frame Kyle Livingstone notched his fourth home run of the season, a two-run shot to give Texas State a 7-1 edge.
UTSA slowly nicked away at the tally, adding a single run in the third, fourth and fifth inning for a 7-4 game.
Loftin surfaced for relief in the sixth and shut down both Jose Hernandez and Michael Rockett before walking Brett Aguilar. The designated hitter was gone in the next-at bat on a fielder's choice for no damage.
The senior hurler shut down the next eight batters before earning his first-career save.
The Bobcats notched 19 hits over the Roadrunners seven.
Tyler Sibley and Spenser Dennis added a pair of hits, while Livingstone joined Loftin with four hits.
Lance Brown was the only UTSA hitter to notch a pair of hits.
Brian Borski will make the start tomorrow afternoon, facing left-hander Andy Benedict on the mound.
