DALLAS, TEXAS – UT Tyler baseball split a Friday doubleheader against UT Dallas, rallying late to take game one 8–5 before falling in game two 11–7. The Patriots combined for 15 runs on 17 hits across the two contests, highlighted by a late-game surge in the opener.
GAME ONE
The Patriots used timely hitting and a clutch ninth inning to secure an 8–5 win in game one.
UT Tyler struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of early traffic as Kaston Mason drove in a run after a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded. UT Dallas would take the lead eventually after an RBI single in the first inning and a solo home run in the third.
However, the Patriots would snag it right back as Mason would deliver his own solo home run to tie the game. The Comets would retake the lead in their half of the fourth after another RBI single.
The Patriots would take back the lead in the sixth thanks to Spencer Simpson delivering the big swing of the inning with a three-run home run down the right field line, putting UT Tyler back in front 5–3.
UT Dallas chipped away and tied the game at 5–5 in the seventh with a solo home run, setting up late extra-inning drama.
In the ninth, the Patriots delivered the decisive blow. Drew Schmidt launched a three-run home run to left-center, scoring Connor Clark and Brock Bearden to give UT Tyler an 8–5 advantage.
Schmidt led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance, a home run, and three RBIs, while Simpson added a three-run homer. Mason also homered earlier in the game as UT Tyler finished with three long balls.
On the mound, Garrett Landry earned the win in relief, tossing four innings while allowing just one run and striking out one to close out the victory.
GAME TWO
UT Tyler battled back from an early deficit but ultimately fell 11–7 in game two.
After UT Dallas jumped out to a 7–0 lead through two innings, the Patriots responded in a big way in the third. Ketzner delivered an RBI single while Kaston Mason sparked the rally with a three-run home run, and Spencer Simpson followed with a two-run shot as UT Tyler plated six runs in the inning to cut the deficit to 7–6.
The Patriots continued to apply pressure in the fourth when Connor Clark connected on a solo home run to bring UT Tyler within 9–7.
However, UT Dallas answered with runs in the third and fourth innings to extend its lead, and the Patriots were unable to complete the comeback.
Simpson led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance and two RBIs, while Mason added three RBIs on his home run. Clark contributed with a solo homer as part of the Patriots' three home runs in the game.
The Patriots return to action tomorrow as they look to take the series over the Comets.
