CANYON, Texas – The Buffaloes of West Texas A&M couldn't overcome a pair of big innings by #9 UT Tyler on Friday night as the Patriots picked up a 17-3 run-rule victory in the opening game of the Lone Star Conference weekend series in Canyon.
 
UT Tyler took an early lead in the first inning with two runs. Connor Clark started with a walk, and Luke Smith doubled, advancing Clark to third. Drew Schmidt's sacrifice fly brought home Clark, followed by Kaston Mason's groundout that scored Smith for the 2-0 lead.
 
In the second inning, the Buffs cut the deficit. Will Franklin tripled and later scored on a throwing error during a failed pickoff attempt, bringing the score to 2-1.
 
The third inning saw UT Tyler add a run to their tally, capitalizing on a fielder's choice and an error. Smith eventually scored on a single by Bryce Jewell followed by a Smith RBI single in the fourth for the 4-1 advantage.
 
UT Tyler broke the game open in the top of the fifth as they plated seven runs highlighted by a pair of homeruns for the 11-1 lead. The Buffs attempted a rally in the sixth inning. Daniel Castellanos singled and later scored on Zac Rackham's ground-rule double, which also brought Will Franklin home at 11-3.
 
UT Tyler added six more runs in the top of the seventh inning, fueled by several walks and a wild pitch for the 17-3 lead.
 
Ruben Garcia-Diaz picked up the loss (0-1) for the Buffs, allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with four walks and five strikeouts in his 4.2 innings of work.
 
The Buffs and Patriots return to the diamond tomorrow afternoon with first pitch of a doubleheader set for 2:00 p.m. in Canyon.