PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The Tigers of Texas Southern University evened their series with Arkansas–Pine Bluff on Saturday with a 9-5 win in extra innings.
Gaudencio Lucca's bases-loaded triple in the top of the 12th regained the lead for the Tigers, who led 5-3 going into the bottom of the ninth only to see the Golden Lions tie the contest.
The win kept Texas Southern (14-24) in sole possession of first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's West Division with a 12-7 record in league play. UAPB (13-25) fell to 8-9 in divisional play.
TSU relief pitcher Michael Villanueva recovered from losing out on the save opportunity in the bottom of the ninth to pick up the win in four innings of work. After Pine Bluff tied the game in the ninth, the Golden Lions only managed one hit and two base runners against Villanueva, who struck out five batters and improved his season record to 7-2.
The Tigers opened the 12th inning when Horace LeBlanc singled, and then moved to second base on Charles Guillory's sacrifice bunt. Olajide Oloruntimilehin was then intentionally walked to set up the force play.
UAPB's Chris Phelps then came in to pitch in relief of Tyrus Lopez, and then walked Kamren Dukes to load the bases. Lucca then came to the plate and cleared the bases with his triple to right field; Lucca then scored on Jose Camacho's RBI single.
The Tigers scored five in the top of the second to take an early 5-0 lead. Oloruntimilehin knocked an RBI double to score LeBlanc, while Blake Hicks had a two-RBI hit later in the inning.
Lucca went 3-for-6 in the game, while Camacho and Christian Sanchez knocked two base hits apiece. Camacho also had two RBIs against the Golden Lions.
Darius Boykins started on the mound for the Tigers and scattered six hits and gave up three runs (two earned) over six and one-third innings. Boykins struck out three batters during the game. Robert Loza pitched one and two-thirds innings of no-hit relief, striking out two Lions and walking one.
The teams conclude their series Sunday at 1 p.m.
Courtesy: TSU Athletics
Gaudencio Lucca's bases-loaded triple in the top of the 12th regained the lead for the Tigers, who led 5-3 going into the bottom of the ninth only to see the Golden Lions tie the contest.
The win kept Texas Southern (14-24) in sole possession of first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's West Division with a 12-7 record in league play. UAPB (13-25) fell to 8-9 in divisional play.
TSU relief pitcher Michael Villanueva recovered from losing out on the save opportunity in the bottom of the ninth to pick up the win in four innings of work. After Pine Bluff tied the game in the ninth, the Golden Lions only managed one hit and two base runners against Villanueva, who struck out five batters and improved his season record to 7-2.
The Tigers opened the 12th inning when Horace LeBlanc singled, and then moved to second base on Charles Guillory's sacrifice bunt. Olajide Oloruntimilehin was then intentionally walked to set up the force play.
UAPB's Chris Phelps then came in to pitch in relief of Tyrus Lopez, and then walked Kamren Dukes to load the bases. Lucca then came to the plate and cleared the bases with his triple to right field; Lucca then scored on Jose Camacho's RBI single.
The Tigers scored five in the top of the second to take an early 5-0 lead. Oloruntimilehin knocked an RBI double to score LeBlanc, while Blake Hicks had a two-RBI hit later in the inning.
Lucca went 3-for-6 in the game, while Camacho and Christian Sanchez knocked two base hits apiece. Camacho also had two RBIs against the Golden Lions.
Darius Boykins started on the mound for the Tigers and scattered six hits and gave up three runs (two earned) over six and one-third innings. Boykins struck out three batters during the game. Robert Loza pitched one and two-thirds innings of no-hit relief, striking out two Lions and walking one.
The teams conclude their series Sunday at 1 p.m.
Courtesy: TSU Athletics