CLEBURNE — Tarleton State came up just short Sunday afternoon, dropping a hard-fought 5–4 decision to Creighton in 12 innings at La Moderna Field.
The Texans struck first in the opening inning when Rayner Heinrich launched a solo home run to right-center, giving Tarleton State an early 1–0 lead. Creighton responded in the second to tie the game, then took a 3–1 advantage in the fourth on a two-run homer.
Tarleton State’s pitching staff settled in after the early runs, keeping the Bluejays off the scoreboard for the next seven innings and giving the offense time to chip away. The Texans pulled within one in the eighth as Sergio Guerra lifted a sacrifice fly to score Brady Englett.
In the ninth, Tarleton State delivered again, using patience and timely hitting to even the score. Carson Lorch lined an RBI single to right, tying the game at 3–3 and forcing extra innings.
After both teams traded zeros through the 10th and 11th innings, Tarleton State finally broke through in the top of the 12th. Cage McCloud singled to left to bring home Englett, giving the Texans a 4–3 lead.
Creighton answered in the bottom half, stringing together four hits to plate two runs and walk off with the win.
Heinrich led the offense with a home run and two hits, while Johnson, Englett, Lorch, and McCloud all contributed key baserunners and RBI in Tarleton State’s late rally. On the mound, the Texans’ bullpen combined to limit Creighton to just two runs across the final eight innings, keeping the game within reach throughout.
The Texans return home to face Baylor on Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm at the Tarleton State Baseball Complex.
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