ARLINGTON, Texas --UT Arlington received contributions from every part of their lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Mavericks put seven runs on the board and knock off the Houston Cougars 7-4 Friday.

Senior Joe Steeber (1-0) got the win out of the bullpen for UT Arlington (3-3). The right-hander went 5.2 innings, giving up one run on five hits, allowing one walk and striking out three. Junior Anthony Garcia also pitched well, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out one.

In the batter's box, the Mavericks were paced by junior Xavier Melendez, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a triple, a walk and two RBI. Senior Tyce Armstrong put together a standout day at the dish as well, going 2-for-5 with three RBI. Freshman Cade Dodson also chipped in for UT Arlington, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a double and two walks.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Mavericks were trailing 3-0 in the first inning when they first put runs on the board to tie the game.

The game remained tied until the very next inning, when the Mavericks got going again on offense. UT Arlington brought home a pair, with one run driven in by Armstrong's single, which brought the score to 5-3 in favor of the Mavericks.

Houston narrowed UT Arlington's lead to 5-4 before the Mavericks stretched the advantage to 6-4 in the fourth inning.

UT Arlington kept the Cougars scoreless before building on their lead in the sixth inning. Melendez crossed home plate with the lone run of the inning for the Mavericks, bringing the score to 7-4 in favor of UT Arlington. The score remained 7-4 for the rest of the game, as the Mavericks held on for the win.

GAME NOTES
» Junior Jake Martinez picked up three hits in the game for UT Arlington.
» Every UT Arlington starter reached base safely in the win.
» UT Arlington's highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed three runs across.
» The Mavericks had control of the rest of the game after moving ahead of the Cougars 5-3 in the bottom of the second.
» The Mavericks out-hit the Cougars at an 11-8 clip.
» UT Arlington pitchers limited Houston to just 2-for-12 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» UT Arlington pitchers faced 38 Houston hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out six.
» The Mavericks drew eight walks from Houston pitching.
» Melendez led the Mavericks at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBI.

ON DECK
The Mavs will play game two of the series at Clay Gould Ballpark at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Mar. 1. 

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