TYLER, Texas – Fifteenth-ranked Texas-Tyler scored five runs in the fifth inning, and the Patriots were able to hold off Southwestern for a 7-6 victory on Tuesday night at Irwin Field.
The Pirates (5-16), who returned to action following an eight-day hiatus, posted 10 hits on the night. Ethan Luna led the way with a 3-for-5 performance, while Austyn Laird added a pair of knocks.
Southwestern scored four runs in the third inning to take an early lead.
However, Texas-Tyler (16-7) plated two in the bottom half of the frame to cut the lead in half.
Two frames later, the Patriots sent eight batters to the plate and produced five runs to overtake the Pirates.
Southwestern took advantage of an error in the sixth to push across a run. The Pirates then loaded the bases in the seventh with two outs, and Clayton Sparks drew a walk to allow Luna to cross the plate, cutting the lead to only a run.
After a scoreless eighth inning, SU was retired in order in the ninth to close out the contest.
The Pirates used 10 pitchers on the night.
Hayden Holley started the game and hurled two scoreless stanzas. The left-hander allowed only one hit and also struck out the final four batters he faced before giving way to the bullpen.
Collin Buckley (0-2) took the loss after yielding four runs on four hits in the decisive fifth inning.
Chad Hayes (2-0) pitched a scoreless fifth and received the win for Texas-Tyler, which sent nine pitchers to the mound. Reese Read retired Southwestern in order in the ninth inning to earn his first save.
The Pirates will return home for the first time in a month to face Schreiner in a three-game conference series this weekend. The set opens at 6 p.m. Friday at Rockwell Field.
– SOUTHWESTERN –