SAN ANTONIO — Senior pitcher Sam Simmons allowed one run in a crucial four inning stretch, helping UTSA baseball secure game one of its series against Dallas Baptist University 12-8 on Friday at Roadrunner Field.
UTSA (5-0) established an early 6-0 lead before the Patriots (4-1) clawed their way back into the game during the middle innings. Dallas Baptist cycled through five pitchers while the Roadrunners only used two. Simmons’ 4.2 innings pitched are the most in his UTSA career, one batter more than his previous high of 4.1 against Youngstown State University in 2025.
“Sam was good. He kept pounding them with the fastball-in, and they did not like it. He was really good,” coach Pat Hallmark said of Simmons’ performance.
Since Hallmark arrived at UTSA, the Roadrunners have had a role Hallmark calls the “Stopper” that is traditionally reserved for the player he trusts the most in “got-to-have-it” situations. In 2023, it was MLB Draft pick Simon Miller. In 2024, it was current University of Texas at Austin ace Ruger Riojas. Last year, it was junior ace Robert Orloski. This year, that role goes to Simmons.
“That’s how we set it out to be at the beginning,” Hallmark explained. “It’s a long season, but that’s where he’s at right now. Tonight was a good sign of what he’s capable of doing.”
Before Simmons could have his chance to shine, the UTSA offense had to put runs on the board. The Roadrunners opened up the game with a first inning six spot.
Sophomore infielder Josh Arquette opened up the game by tripling down the left field line and scoring three base runners. Shortly after, senior outfielder Garrett Gruell knocked an infield RBI single to third base. Junior infielder Diego Diaz put a pin in the inning with a two run homer over the right field wall.
Dallas Baptist cut into its deficit with four runs in the third and three in the fifth. UTSA still led thanks to a two RBI double from sophomore infielder Jordan Ballin in the fourth. A pair of two-run homers from senior outfielder Drew Detlefsen and senior catcher Andrew Stucky in the fifth and sixth innings gave the Roadrunners a comfortable lead once again, giving way for Simmons to close out the game.
“That was a lot of fun,” Simmons said after the game. “Games like that are what you live for as a player.”
With the win, UTSA is 5-0 for the first time since 2013. The key to moving to 6-0 for the first time in program history is waking up on Saturday with the same ferocity as the day before.
“I asked the guys to enjoy tonight, but I asked them to wake up tomorrow pissed off,” Hallmark said. “I don’t want them to be satisfied, just like at the [Austin] Regional. This is just one game. I’m happy tonight, but we didn’t hang the moon. We beat a good team, but we’ve beaten good teams before. We need to win again.”
Game two of UTSA versus Dallas Baptist is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Roadrunner Field.
