UTSA baseball lost to Baylor University 5-0 on Tuesday at Baylor Ballpark.
The Roadrunners (1-3) found themselves trailing early, with the Bears (4-0) offense coming out firing on all cylinders. Despite remaining within striking distance, the UTSA offense struggled against Baylor’s rotation, striking out 12 times throughout the course of the game.
Coming off a disappointing opening weekend against the University of Texas at Arlington, the Roadrunners were looking to build off momentum gained in the series’ Sunday finale. Taking on a Big 12 team on the road is a tall-task for any squad, yet is one that could’ve helped the team and fans alike forget about the outcome in Arlington. Alas, with a 55-degree first-pitch temperature, the fans present and the UTSA starting nine shared one thing in common: they were ice cold.
In the opening inning, Baylor outfielder Wesley Jordan gave the Bears an early advantage after grounding out to UTSA second baseman Mason Jacob. The true freshman secured the out at first base but allowed the opposing runner on third to score.
Two innings later, outfielder Enzo Apodaca launched a two-run home run to extend the Bears’ lead to 3-0.
The Roadrunners began with junior pitcher James Hubbard on the mound, but coach Pat Hallmark moved off of him after just two innings in favor of senior Jake Cothran. The Middle Tennessee State University transfer faced four batters before being pulled by Hallmark in the bottom of the third.
In the following inning, a throwing error by junior infielder Ty Hodge allowed opposing outfielder Ty Johnson to steal home. An RBI single from Baylor infielder Jack Little forced UTSA to turn to its sixth pitcher in as many innings.
Sophomore pitcher Kendall Dove and junior Connor Kelley allowed zero runs across the final three innings, but the Roadrunner offense could not manage a single run, sealing their defeat.
UTSA slashed .222 at the plate, notching just five hits to the Bears’ eight. The Roadrunner rotation allowed nine hits and one walk while tossing five strikes. Hodge and senior outfielder Mason Lytle led the team with two hits a piece.
The ‘Runners lost a considerable amount of veteran talent in the 2024 offseason. So, despite the rough start, there is still plenty of time for the team to catch fire — a sentiment Hallmark shared just a few days ago.
UTSA will play at home for the first time in 2025 when the team hosts Long Island University from Feb. 21-23 at Roadrunner Field.
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