SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The UT Tyler baseball program dropped a tightly contested 5–4 decision to St. Mary's in the regular season finale on Sunday, as the Patriots were unable to hold an early lead.
UT Tyler wasted no time getting on the board, delivering a strong offensive showing in the top of the first inning. Connor Clark opened the game with a single and later advanced to third before Tanner Hornback was hit by a pitch and Cole Ketzner drew a walk to load the bases. Drew Schmidt came through with a clutch two-run double to right center, plating Clark and Hornback to give the Patriots a 2–0 lead. Moments later, Luke Smith added an RBI infield single to score Ketzner and extend the advantage to 3–0.
The Patriots continued their early momentum in the second inning when Clark delivered again, launching a solo home run down the left field line to push the lead to 4–0.
St. Mary's responded in the bottom half of the second inning, capitalizing on timely hitting to get back into the game. A single and a walk set the table before another single drove in a run. Shortly after, the Rattlers delivered a two-run double down the left field line, cutting the Patriots' lead to 4–3.
Both teams settled into a rhythm over the next few innings as pitching and defense took control. UT Tyler threatened in the fourth inning with a pair of singles from Spencer Simpson and Clark but was unable to bring a run across. The Patriots also left runners stranded in the fifth and sixth innings, unable to capitalize on additional scoring opportunities that could have extended their lead.
Meanwhile, the Rattlers chipped away and eventually broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning. A leadoff single followed by a sacrifice bunt put a runner in scoring position before a single moved runners to the corners. The Rattlers came through again with an RBI single to tie the game at 4–4. Later in the inning, a sacrifice fly gave St. Mary's its first lead of the day at 5–4.
From there, the Patriots' offense was held in check. UT Tyler was retired in order in the seventh and eighth innings, as the Rattlers' bullpen locked in to protect the narrow lead. In the ninth, the Patriots were unable to mount a comeback, going down in order to seal the 5–4 final.
Connor Clark led the way offensively for UT Tyler, turning in an impressive 4-for-5 performance with two runs scored and an RBI, including the solo home run in the second inning. Drew Schmidt added a double and drove in two runs, while Luke Smith contributed an RBI single. Hornback also chipped in with a double and a run scored as part of the Patriots' eight-hit effort.
On the mound, Matthew Mackenzie got the start and worked 3.1 innings, allowing three runs while striking out three. While Jacob Hadden provided a strong effort out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings and allowing no hits while striking out one.
Despite the loss, UT Tyler closes out an impressive regular season with a 40–10 overall record, securing the program's first Lone Star Conference regular season title. The Patriots enter postseason play having won 22 of their last 24 games, showcasing their consistency and dominance down the stretch.
UT Tyler will now have the upcoming weekend off as they await the results of the Lone Star Conference opening round matchups. The Patriots will host the final round at Irwin Field on May 7–9, where they will face the advancing team in their postseason opener.
