April 14, 2010
Box Score | Photo Gallery 
WACO, Texas - Jesse Payne went 4-for-5 with three runs scored and Michael Choice launched his 12th home run of the season - and 30th of his career - in UT Arlington's 18-8 loss at Baylor Wednesday evening in front of 2,365 fans at Baylor Ballpark.
The Mavericks (15-19) led 5-1 early but saw their lead evaporate quickly as the Bears (21-11) scored eight runs in the third and added four runs in the fourth and five runs in the eighth to hand UTA its fourth straight loss. Baylor outhit the Mavericks 18-9 in the contest.
Choice, who is now within one home run of the UTA all-time career record (31 - Matt Mize, 1998-99), hit a towering two-run home run over the Baylor scoreboard structure in left-center field to give the Mavs a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Choice's blast was estimated at over 450 feet.
UT Arlington added three runs in the third with an RBI groundout by Chad Comer, an RBI single from Preston Beck and with a sacrifice fly from Steffan Guest to put the Mavericks ahead 5-1.
That would be the last lead UTA would have as Baylor charged back with eight runs on seven hits in the bottom of the third.
UT Arlington reliever Sam Hansen (0-2) was the losing pitcher allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits with one strikeout in 1.0 inning pitched.
UTA starting pitcher Josh Christenson lasted only 2.0 innings while giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks with a strikeout. It was Christenson's first start of the season and fifth total appearance of the year while getting the no-decision.
In the game, UTA used four pitchers and Baylor ran six pitchers to the mound. The game lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes, which is the second longest (time) nine-inning game the Mavs have competed in this season (3:18, vs. BYU - 3/6/10) and the longest for a midweek game this year.
Baylor reliever Jon Ringenberg (2-0) pitched 2.1 innings while giving up two hits, three runs and one walk with a strikeout in the victory.
Payne was the Mavericks leading hitting going 4-for-5, which included a pair of doubles. Payne also led UTA with three runs scored. Choice ended the game going 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two walks.
Choice extended his hitting streak to 11 games and has now reached base safely in 46 consecutive games (via hit or walk) dating back to last season.
Beck also finished with a multi-hit game going 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI.
UT Arlington will be back in Southland Conference action this weekend with a three-game road trip to McNeese State in Lake Charles, La. The Mavericks and Cowboys open their series on Friday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m.
