UTSA baseball secured a series victory with a 17-7 win over the University of Memphis on Saturday at Roadrunner Field.
With the score tied 3-3 entering the bottom of the fifth frame, the Roadrunners (32-10, 14-3 AAC) blew the game open, scoring 10 runs over the ensuing three innings. The Tigers (16-25, 4-12 AAC) chipped away at their deficit in the seventh and eighth frames before senior outfielder James Taussig delivered a three-run home run to secure both the game and series victory.
“It’s always important to try and get that series win locked up on Saturday,” Taussig said. “Job’s not finished. We still have to come to the park tomorrow at noon and take care of game three. But yeah, I was just looking for a fastball. Late in the game, kind of a big score, I know they’re trying to get ahead of me. I got a pitch up [in the zone] which I like to hit, and [I] was just able to get to it.”
Senior infielder Norris McClure opened the game up by bringing in senior outfielder Mason Lytle in the first. Shortly after, junior infielder Ty Hodge extended the Roadrunners’ lead with a two-run home run over the left field wall.
In the fifth, Hodge reached first base on a fielder’s choice before advancing to second on a throwing error from the Tigers. Senior catcher Andrew Stucky scored unearned on the play, and Lytle reached home as well. Hodge made his way to home plate shortly after off an RBI single from senior infielder Garrett Gruell. UTSA led by eight after the sixth frame with RBIs from Stucky and Hodge.
Lytle registered his seventh home run of the season in the seventh frame with a three-run blast over left-center field.
The ‘Runners closed out the game in the eighth with an RBI double from sophomore utility Diego Diaz and Taussig’s walk-off.
“We have so many good hitters. Depending on the matchup and what kind of pitchers our opponents are trying to throw at us, we’re able to move guys around,” Taussig said of the team’s depth at the plate. “One through nine, there’s no hitters off.”
Hodge led the team in RBIs with six — a season-high — while Lytle led in hits with three. Seven different Roadrunners recorded hits on Saturday, and the pitching duo of senior Braylon Owens and junior Christian Okerholm allowed seven runs on 10 hits while tossing eight strikeouts. Senior infielder Ty Tilson made his third start of the season and his eight overall appearance.
UTSA will aim for the sweep at noon Sunday at Roadrunner Field.
