ARLINGTON, Texas – UTA fought off multiple comeback attempts by South Alabama to clinch a series win with a 9-7 home win Saturday afternoon at Clay Gould Ballpark.
 
Connor Aube, Zac Cook and Josh Minjarez each drove in a pair of runs for the Mavs (18-10, 6-2 SBC) in the win.
 
Ka'ikepono Anderson pitched six innings to pick up his team-high fifth win of the season. He struck out two and surrendered just two runs in the victory.
 
For the second consecutive game, the Mavs loaded the bases in the first inning. This time, UTA took advantage by putting five runs on the board before South Alabama's fifth hitter had an at-bat.
 
Aube singled to open the game, then stole second base. South Alabama starter Drake Nightengale walked the next two hitters before giving up singles to Zac Cook and Josh Minjarez that gave the Mavs a 3-0 lead.
 
An Aaron Funk single scored Cook and Minjarez to give the Mavs a 5-0 lead after the first inning.
 
The Jaguars (12-13, 3-5) began slowly chipping away at the lead with a run in the second inning and another in the fourth. Aube walked with bases loaded in the fifth inning to make it a four-run game.
 
South Alabama made its biggest dent in the seventh inning when it loaded the bases with no outs and scored three runs to cut UTA's lead down to a single run. UTA again answered with RBI doubles from Aube and Olson to give UTA an 8-5 lead going into the eighth.
 
The Jaguars' bats stayed hot in the eighth to again make it a one-run game. The Mavs turned to Andrew Gross, the nation's leader in saves to shut it down. He was again reliable with a six-out save, his 12th of the season.
 
UTA will go for the series sweep Sunday. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 pm. at Clay Gould Ballpark.
 
BARK IN THE PARK…ALL SEASON LONG
UT Arlington Department of Athletics officials announced that all 2019 home baseball games at Clay Gould Ballpark and softball games at Allan Saxe Field will be dog-friendly, thanks to a generous partnership with upstart Lone Star Friends of Animals to create 'Casey's Corner.'

April 16th games (Softball vs. Texas, Baseball vs. TCU) no dogs will be allowed on that date only.

Dogs which are leashed, at least six months old and with the proper vaccinations will be permitted at all UTA baseball and softball games throughout the season.

Casey's Corner is a grassy area between the baseball and softball fields, along the 3rd-base line of the baseball stadium. Multiple pet waste stations have been set up, and the space provides fans and dog owners an opportunity to walk and sit with their canine companions while taking in all the Maverick action.

SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2019 UT Arlington baseball season, beginning at just $75. All seating is general admission, and tickets can be secured by logging on to UTATickets.com.

FOLLOW THE MAVS 
For the latest news on UTA Baseball, log on to UTAMavs.com or stay connected to the Mavs on social media. Follow the Mavericks on Twitter @UTArlingtonBSB and on Facebook at Facebook.com/UTABaseball.