ST. GEORGE, Utah — Tarleton State (30-16, 10-4 WAC) offense pieced together four consecutive two-run innings late to earn an 8-4 victory over Utah Tech (29-18, 6-5 WAC) on Saturday afternoon at Bruce Hurst Field.
After four scoreless frames, Jake Tatom jump-started the offense with a solo home run in the fifth. Later in the inning, Carson Lorch drove in a run on a groundout to give the Texans a 2-0 advantage.
Tarleton State added to its lead in the sixth inning as Tatom delivered an RBI double, followed by an RBI single from Rayner Heinrich to extend the margin to 4-0.
Utah Tech answered with two runs in the bottom half of the sixth, but the Texans quickly responded in the seventh. Lorch scored on a fielder’s choice before Brady Englett came through with an RBI single to push the lead to 6-2.
The Texans continued to add insurance in the eighth inning, highlighted by Heinrich’s solo home run and another run scoring on a wild pitch to make it 8-2.
Utah Tech trimmed the deficit with a two-run home run in the eighth, but the Texan pitching staff closed out the game to secure the win.
On the mound, Ethan Wendel (4-3) earned the win after tossing 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Jackson Elizondo and Anthony Treto combined in relief to finish the game and preserve the victory.
Utah Tech’s Dakoda West (5-4) took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits over 5.2 innings, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Tarleton State finished with eight runs on 12 hits. Heinrich led the Texans at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and a home run. Tatom finished 2-for-6 with a home run, double, and two RBI, while Slade McCloud added two hits and two runs scored. Englett also chipped in with two hits and an RBI. Ike Shirey went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.
The Texans will return to action Sunday as they go for the series sweep against Utah Tech, with first pitch set for 12 p.m.
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