SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA Roadrunners took on the Tarleton State Texans to open the 2023 season at home and came out with the win 3-2. 

Pitcher, Luke Malone started on the mound and pitched seven scoreless innings. The Roadrunners ran into trouble at the top of the ninth as Tarelton scored two runs due to an error by shortstop Matt King. Pitcher Simon Miller was able to get out of the top of the inning with the ‘Runners only down by one.

 In the bottom of the ninth, things started rough as Garrett Poston struck out to start the inning. However, Tarleton State pitcher Jake Burcham walked the next two batters setting up Leyton Barry to play hero, and that’s exactly what he did. Barry battled with Burcham as he hit several foul tips. Eventually, Barry drove one into deep centerfield and brought the two baserunners home. 

The crowd erupted, and the team celebrated as they survived what could have been a disastrous opener. After the walk-off, Barry commented on his thoughts at the plate as he hit the game-winner. 

“They brought one of their best pitchers out there, so it was a long at-bat,” Barry said. “I fouled off a lot of pitches with two strikes, so I felt like if I kept doing what I needed to do well, which was see the ball well, I would be rewarded, and that’s what happened.”

The Roadrunners play the second series game against Tarleton State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Roadrunner Field.