SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State scored all of its runs Friday night over the first three innings on its way to a 6-2 win over Arkansas State in the series opener at Bobcat Ballpark. The victory snapped a six-game skid of the Bobcats.
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With the victory, TXST improved to 9-12 overall and 1-3 in the Sun Belt Conference while the Red Wolves dropped to 10-11 on the season and 2-2 in league play.
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Alex Valentin (4-0) recorded a quality start in earning the win on the mound. The lefty threw six innings and matched his season-high with seven strikeouts while allowing just one run on three hits. Taking the loss was Collin Maloney (2-3) after he gave up six runs on seven hits in 2.1 innings.
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Earning his fourth save of the season was Carson Laws. He finished with four strikeouts over the final three frames.
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Ryne Farber reached base all four of his plate appearances after going 3-for-3 and being plunked once. He also scored twice and drove in a run. Ian Collier finished 3-for-4 with two RBI, one double and scored a run.
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Also with multiple hits on the night was Chase Mora. The junior was 2-for-4 with two runs.
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Mora started Texas State off with a single in the bottom of the first. After Farber was hit by a 0-1 pitch, Collier smacked a double to left center that brought home both runners for the early advantage.
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In the third, Mora began the frame with a single to left center. Three pitches later, Alan Shibley hit a ball off the centerfield wall for an RBI triple. The senior outfielder would score on Farber's single to left to double the advantage.
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Coy DeFury came to the plate later in the frame with the bases loaded and two gone. He hit a hard shot to the right side that saw the ASU second baseman making a diving stop. However, his throw to first sailed high and allowed two runs to score to increase the lead to 6-0.
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Those would be the final runs in the game for the Bobcats. A run was scored in both the fifth and seventh innings by the Red Wolves who were limited to four base knocks on the night.
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Game two of the series is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. first pitch on Saturday.
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