Feb. 5, 2005
Box Score
EDINBURG, Texas - Cesar Pena's single up the middle passed a diving Josh McSpadden in the seventh inning scored the game-winning run as Texas-Pan American handed Texas-Arlington its first loss of the season, 5-4, Saturday evening at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.
The game-winning run was set up after Aaron Flowers started the inning with a bloop single just over the outstretched arm of second baseman Brett Fenner. Flowers was moved to second on a sacrifice and the inning was prolonged on a fielding error by third baseman Alex Schenck, setting up the game-winning hit.
The Broncs (1-1) got things going with two outs in the first inning as Jacob Jones tripled into the left center field gap and came into score on Matt Eichel's single to right field. Eichel stole second before scoring the second run on a Zach Gordon double into the gap in left center.
UTPA threatened to break the game open in the second inning as Ricky Broyles started things with a bunt base hit. Zach Smith reached as his bunt attempt touched the bag at third before rolling foul. UTA starter Grant Varnell was able to entice a double play before the lone run came in on a Louie Alamia double to left center.
The Mavs (1-1) battled with two outs in the third inning as Nathan Warrick beat out a swinging bunt to the left side and David McLeod was hit by a pitch. Scott Williams plated the first run with a single through the left side and joined McLeod in scoring on Justin Stevens double down the right field line just in front of a diving Brady Honeycutt.
UTA added another two-out run in the fifth inning as Williams and Stevens hit back-to-back singles through the left side. Cary Nelson followed with a chopper back to the mound that UTPA starter Ryne Foster fired into the dugout allowing a run to score.
The Broncs quickly tied the game up in the home half of the inning as Aaron Flowers doubled passed the bag at third and scored on Gordon's single through the right side.
Dillon Gee (0-1) was the tough luck loser as he allowed one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts in two innings of work in his collegiate debut. Grant Varnell got the start for UTA and went six innings allowing four earned runs and struck out seven. Aaron Guerra (1-0) picked up the win by allowing one hit and striking out two in 3.1 innings of work. Chad Linder earned his first save by retiring both hitters he faced.
Williams and Stevens each collected two hits for UTA, while Stevens drove in two. Smith and Gordon each had three hits for the Broncs.
The Mavs return to action tomorrow afternoon against Texas State. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m. at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.
