Junior outfielder Drew Detlefsen delivered a pivotal hit in the eighth inning, and UTSA defeated Texas Southern University 7-4 on Sunday at Roadrunner Field.
The Roadrunners (15-3) came into the finale looking to pick up their third series sweep of the season. However, through seven innings, the Tigers (4-12) held a 4-2 lead over the ‘Runners — who had yet to lose a home game in 2025. With the bases loaded and the team’s historic win streak on the line, Detlefsen delivered when it mattered most.
“I just wanted to keep it simple. I saw they were shifting me over to the middle because that’s where I got my last hits. I wanted to keep it on the ground because of the wind, and I just thought about going backside, teeing it up and driving it the other way,” Detlefsen said of his game-winning hit.
Freshman utility Nathan Hodge got the scoring started in the eighth inning for UTSA after he hit a sacrifice fly out to left field, allowing sophomore utility Diego Diaz to score. In the next at-bat, freshman utility Caden Miller stole third base and eventually scored unearned after a throwing error from Tigers catcher Alex Diaz. Texas Southern coach Michael Robinson decided to intentionally walk senior outfielder Mason Lytle, the team’s leader in hits, providing Detlefsen with the chance to earn the go-ahead score. Detlefsen lined one to left field, scoring Lytle and senior catcher Andrew Stucky. A fielding error by Tigers outfielder Daylon Carleton gave way for freshman infielder Jordan Ballin to score the final run of the inning, and the UTSA dugout erupted in celebration.
“I would put us up there with the top teams in the nation, for sure,” Detlefsen said.
The Dodge City Junior College transfer put the ‘Runners on the board in the third inning with an infield RBI single that allowed senior infielder Norris McClure to score. N. Hodge picked up an RBI groundout in the bottom of the sixth, allowing Diaz to score and bring UTSA’s deficit down to two runs.
Senior pitcher Braylon Owens and sophomore Robert Orloski took the mound for the first time since the Roadrunners defeated No.14 Texas A&M. Combined, the duo allowed four runs on eight hits while tossing nine strikeouts.
With the wind blowing against them, the ‘Runners struggled at the plate and collected eight hits in 31 at-bats. UTSA had zero errors on defense and allowed just one walk, compared to the Tigers’ eight walks. The Roadrunners have not lost since Feb. 18 against Baylor.
“We’re hot right now,” coach Pat Hallmark said after the game.
UTSA will next face the University of Incarnate Word at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Roadrunner Field.
