CANYON, Texas – The Buffaloes of West Texas A&M saw St. Edward's score a pair of runs in the top of the ninth inning on Saturday afternoon as the Hilltoppers picked up a 10-9 Lone Star Conference win at Wilder Park.
West Texas A&M took an early lead in the first inning when
Brock Bunker drew a walk and advanced to third on a wild pitch and a failed pickoff attempt. Haynes grounded out to third, allowing Bunker to score, putting the Buffs ahead 1-0. St. Edward's responded in the second inning with a two-run homer from Nico Ruedas, pulling ahead 2-1.
In the third inning, the Buffs capitalized on two hit-by-pitches and a walk to load the bases.
Zac Rackham delivered a double down the left field line, driving in two runs.
Jonluke Hobdy followed with a groundout that brought another run home, and a throwing error allowed Rackham to score, giving the Buffs a 5-2 lead.
The fourth inning saw the Buffs extend their lead.
Tristin Thomas walked and scored on
Timothy Haynes' double to right center.
Jacob Police added an RBI single, bringing Haynes home and pushing the lead to 7-2. St. Edward's mounted a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring five runs, highlighted by Trevor Sebek's grand slam, which tied the game at 7.
In the eighth, the Buffs regained the lead.
Anthony Picciano reached third on a fielding error and scored on Bunker's single. Police's single brought in another unearned run, making it 9-8. However, St. Edward's responded with two runs in the ninth, securing a 10-9 victory over the Buffs.
Gavin Brummund pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 5 batters while walking 7. He surrendered 5 earned runs, including a home run, over 23 batters faced.
Shea Lake appeared for 1 2/3 innings, giving up 3 hits and 2 earned runs with 2 walks, while allowing 2 home runs.
Joey Lopez III pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 earned runs, striking out 3 and walking 3 across 14 batters faced. Each pitcher made their contributions, but struggled with control, combining for 12 walks in the game.
The Buffs and Hilltoppers close out their three-game series on Sunday afternoon with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m.
