Returning home from a trip to the Houston Metropolitan Area, the UTSA baseball squad met Grand Canyon University for the first time since 1993. Across three matchups, the ‘Runners captured two wins, securing their first series victory this past weekend at Roadrunner Field.
“It means a lot, getting that first-weekend win is nice,” head coach Pat Hallmark said. “When you can win games and not play your best, it means your players are pretty good.”
In the opening matchup, UTSA (6-6) enjoyed its best statistical performance of the season, posting a season-high 12 runs while allowing zero.
“It was our best game, all the way around,” Hallmark said. “We did really well handling some high caliber pitching.”
The Roadrunner offense came out the gate hot, scoring three runs in the first inning. RBIs from senior infielder Alexander Olivo, junior utility James Taussig and freshman utility Diego Diaz provided the early lead. Freshman pitcher Robert Orloski, making his third appearance of the season, threw seven strikes across six scoreless innings.
“I was just trying to stay confident. I know my team’s got my back,” Orloski said.
With both sides of the ball giving their best, UTSA cruised to a 12-0 victory.
The Antelopes (6-5) evened out the series on day two, surviving a tight back-and-forth contest. Finding themselves in a four-run deficit in the bottom of the fifth, the Roadrunners responded with back-to-back home runs from Diaz and junior outfielder Mason Lytle. By the time the ninth inning came around, the score was 8-7; UTSA was trailing but in position to win. With the winning runners on first and third base, the Roadrunners were unable to drive them home, sealing the 9-7 loss.
In the series finale, UTSA won in walk-off fashion. The ‘Runners entered the ninth inning knotted at nine. A first pitch double from sophomore outfielder Tye Odom brought up the top of the lineup and before you could blink, the ‘Runners had the bases loaded. Hallmark called for a pinch hitter, sophomore utility Broc Parmer, to secure the win for UTSA. Before Parmer could even get a swing in, a wild pitch from the opposing pitcher sailed past the catcher, allowing junior infielder Matt King to slide home with ease, securing the win for UTSA 10-9.
To go along with the series win, a couple of Roadrunners put together perfect individual performances. In back-to-back games, senior utility Ty Tilson and Diaz both hit a perfect 1.000 at the plate.
“The expectation and the approach is always the same,” Tilson said.
Up next for the ‘Runners, a rematch against the Tarleton State Texans. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, at Roadrunner Field.
