May 22, 2004
Box Score
ARLINGTON, Texas - With the scored tied and the bases loaded with two outs, Texas-Arlington's all-time leader in hits and RBIs Darrell Preston stepped to the plate and ripped a one-strike pitch up the middle to score the game-winning run in the Mavericks 2-1 victory over Texas-San Antonio Saturday afternoon at Clay Gould Ballpark.
For the second time in the last three days, a UTSA throwing error proceeded a walk-off hit for the Mavericks.
The ninth inning started with Daniel Macha singling up the middle and being sacrificed to second by Brett Lewis. Kasey Baker was intentionally walked and with two outs, Hunter Pence reached on a throwing error by UTSA shortstop Ryan Crew setting up the Preston game winner.
The 'Runners (27-29, 12-14 SLC) got on the board first in the third inning as Zach Etheredge doubled to right field and scored on an Aaron Semper chopper over the head of a drawn-in Preston at first. After Grant Varnell threw errant to second on bunt play, UTSA had two one with none out and were threatening to break the game open. Varnell had other thoughts as he struck out Crew and got the next two hitters to fould out and ground out, respectively.
The Mavs (31-24, 14-13 SLC) go their first run of the game in the fouth inning as Pence delivered a grounder down the left field line that resulted in an inside the park homerun. UTSA left fielder Etheredge claimed the ball was wedged under the fence, but later picked the ball up forcing the umpires to rule it a homerun.
UTSA threatened to score in the seventhin inning as Ian Moreno reached on a bunt single and was sacrificed over to second chasing Varnell from the game. Mike Snapp came on in relief and enticed a groundout to first and a lineout to shortstop.
UTA had its chances in the bottom half of the inning as they loaded the bases with two outs before Pence was retired on a foul out to the catcher to end the rally.
The 'Runner started the top of the ninth inning with a Lucas Stewart single up the middle and sac bunt. Snapp would stop the momentum right there as after an intentional walk, Etheredge grounded into the inning ending 6-4-3 double play.
Preston led the offense with three hits and Macha added two. Stewart and Semper each had two hits for UTSA.
Snapp (5-3) picked up the victory after allowing one hit in 2.2 innings of work. Varnell started the game and allowed one earned run on five hits in 6.1 innings of work. Stewart (4-3) took the loss after allowing one unearned run on three hits in 2.1 innings of relief.
The Mavs return to action on Wednesday as they open up the Southland Conference Tournament at Alumni Field in Hammond, La. UTA secured the fourth seed and will play Texas State in the first round at 7 p.m.
