April 10, 2010

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SAN MARCOS - After six innings of silence, the Texas State baseball team exploded for a half dozen hits and runs to spark a 7-3 comeback victory over Central Arkansas Saturday afternoon at Bobcat Field. With the win, Texas State claimed the series over UCA and improved to 19-10 overall and 11-3 in Southland Conference play.

A solo home run from Clay Washington, along with a solid effort from Dustin Ward sent all the momentum UCA's (9-21, 3-11 SLC) way to open the game.

Laurn Randell answered with an infield single in the Bobcats half of the first, but Ward retired the next three batters to help maintain the edge. The Bears struck again in the fourth with back-to-back hits to extend the margin and a sacrifice fly from Michael Pair put the team up 3-0.

Texas State struggled at the plate with only four hits through five innings, leaving six runners on base. It wasn't until the seventh when the team finally broke through Ward's wall with back-to-back base hits from pinch hitters Tyler Sibley and Andrew Stumph. Laurn Randell was hit by a pitch to load the diamond and Bret Atwood came through with an RBI single pushed through the left to side to initiate the rally.

Michael Wild was called in to relieve Ward and faced Jason Martinson out of the gate. The junior extended his hit streak to 17-straight games driving a double down the left line to score two runs. A pair of sacrifice flies and three doubles iced the Bobcats six-run inning for a 6-3 advantage.

Randell pegged the final run with a solo homer in the eighth, his second of the season, to conclude his 2-for-2 day. The senior scored two runs with an RBI, was walked twice and hit by a pitch.

Michael Russo earned the win for Texas State and improved to 4-0 on the season in his 7.1 innings. He allowed six hits and three runs, walked one batter while striking out six to end the day.

Tomorrow's series finale is set to begin at 1p.m. The baseball team and Diamond Sweethearts are set to host Little League Day and all area youths are welcome to attend to enjoy activities before, during and after the game.