ARLINGTON, Texas --The UT Arlington Mavericks responded from tied 6-6 in the eighth inning to win in breathtaking fashion, rallying to earn a 7-6 walk-off victory in the 10th inning over the Cal Baptist Lancers Friday.
Senior Rhys Stevens (1-2) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for UT Arlington (8-14, 2-2). The right-hander went two shutout innings while giving up one hit, allowing one walk and striking out one.
At the plate, the Mavericks were led by senior Parker Airhart, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and three RBI. Junior Xavier Melendez furnished a standout day at the dish as well, going 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Junior Larry Haskins also contributed for UT Arlington, putting together one hit in five trips to the plate while adding a double, a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mavericks were trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning when they first put runs on the board. UT Arlington's offense started clicking and put up five runs, including a three-run home run off the bat of Airhart and a two-run single from freshman Austin Phillips.
The Lancers then rallied to score five runs and take a 6-5 lead before the Mavericks got back on the board in the eighth. UT Arlington pushed across a run on Haskins' two-out RBI double, which brought the score level at 6-6.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the tenth, when UT Arlington walked it off on a Melendez walk from junior Luis Becerra that scored junior Jacob Lang.
GAME NOTES
» Melendez had three base hits in the game for UT Arlington.
» UT Arlington's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed five runs across.
» UT Arlington pitchers faced 44 Cal Baptist hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out six.
» The Mavericks drew 10 walks from Cal Baptist pitching.
» Airhart led the Mavericks at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
» Cal Baptist was led offensively by senior Bubba Rocha, who went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
ON DECK
The Mavs will play game two of the series at Clay Gould Ballpark at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Mar. 29.Â
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