LAS VEGAS, N.M. – A six-run third inning, highlighted by a three run home from West Texas A&M senior catcher Troy LaBrie propelled the Buffs to 9-1 win on opening day at New Mexico Highlands Friday afternoon. 

The Buffs got things started in the top of the third as junior Nick Canas began the frame with a single through the right side.  An infield single from senior Aaron Vallance followed and a walk to junior Jimmy Cubillos loaded the bases.  Junior Adam Adkins drew a walk for a 1-0 lead and junior Luis Amaro singled up the middle for two runs and a 3-0 lead.  LaBrie belted his first home run as a Buff in his career – a three run shot down the right field line for a 6-0 lead.

In the top of the fourth, WT added two more runs courtesy of a Vallance single, as he moved to third on a balk and scored.   A wild pitch plated junior Bodie Bryan for an 8-0 lead.  Kasowski pitched five solid innings allowing one hit, walked three and fanned seven. 

NMHU tallied its first hit of the game in the bottom of the fifth as Eduardo Perez doubled to left center and advanced to third, but Kasowski came back with his seventh strikeout of the game to end the threat. 

In the sixth, Vallance singled up the middle with one out, stole second and advanced to third on the second miscue by NMHU in the game.  Bryan hit a sacrifice fly to right for a 9-0 lead.  The Buffs left the bases full in the seventh.

NMHU's Travis Spruiell began the bottom of the eighth with a double down the left field line for the third hit of the game for the Cowboys.  A ground out to short plated Spruiell for a 9-1 WT lead.

The Cowboys got a leadoff single, but Draper fanned the next two and a foul out ended the game.

WT tallied nine runs on 11 hits with one error in the game as Vallance went 3 for 4 with three runs scored, while Amaro went 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBI, and LaBrie was 1 for 3 with three RBI and a home run to lead the Buffs.  Five different Cowboys had hits with three recording doubles. 

Kasowski (1-0) picked up the win, while Cody Lawson took the loss (0-1) going three innings, allowing seven hits, eight runs – seven earned, walked three and fanned one.  Draper pitched two innings with two strikeouts.

The Buffs and Cowboys will play the second game of the three-game series Saturday at 2 p.m., with live stats at www.gobuffsgo.com on the baseball schedule page.