Box Score

SAN MARCOS – Texas State gave fans all they could want on opening day at Bobcat Ballpark. The Bobcats opened up against Michigan and, despite falling behind 5-0, came through in the end on a walk-off single from David Paiz to score Cody Lovejoy from second base in the 10th inning for the 8-7 victory.
 
Early on the Bobcat defense struggled, giving up five runs in the first two innings and finishing the game with four errors. However, they bounced back with some impressive defense later in the game. Freshman Matt Sanchez showed his range when he made it over to right centerfield for a catch and rifled it to first base for the rare double play from the outfield.
 
More newcomers contributed on an infield double play later. Paiz corralled a grounder and threw it to Taylor Bailey at second base who turned it over to Tanner Hill at first.
 
The defense received help from relievers Cory Geisler and Hunter Lemke. The duo combined for five strikeouts and just two hits allowed over a combined 5.2 innings of play with Lemke picking up his first win of the season.
 
Once the defense came together, the hits started coming as Texas State finished with 14 on the night. Lovejoy and Paiz had three hits a piece with Lovejoy going 3-for-4 with two walks, an RBI and three runs scored. Mattlage led the team with his three RBI and joined Pearson and freshman Studdard Granger (2-for-3) to finish with two hits apiece.
 
In the seventh inning, trailing 7-3, Garrett Mattlage gave the offense some juice with a long triple to left field to drive in Paiz after he singled.
 
Within three runs, Texas State tied it in the eighth inning. Sanchez reached on a bunt and Lovejoy followed with another single. On a fly ball Michigan, in a rush to get the ball in, committed an error to give the two runners an extra base. With first base open, Michigan walked Paiz, then Mattlage followed with a single up the middle to plate two runners. Paiz scored on a Tyler Pearson single to tie the game.
 
After a scoreless ninth and top of the 10^th behind Lemke's pitching, Paiz and Lovejoy combined to end the game.
 
Texas State will look to remain unbeaten when the Bobcats take on Washington at 2 p.m. For complete information on the Texas State Invitational, click here. After Washington, Texas State will host Air Force at 3:30 p.m. Sunday before heading to Rice Tuesday.