PHOENIX, Ariz. --Junior Xavier Melendez racked up four RBIs, but the UT Arlington Mavericks fell to the Grand Canyon Antelopes 8-7 on Friday.

Senior Caden Noah (1-4) took the loss on the mound for UT Arlington (13-25, 5-8).

Melendez went 3-for-5 in addition to his four RBIs for the Mavericks. Senior Parker Airhart put together a standout day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Senior Tyce Armstrong also contributed for UT Arlington, putting together three hits in four trips to the plate while adding a walk.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Mavericks were trailing 2-0 in the second inning when they first put runs on the board. UT Arlington scored three times, all of them coming across on a three-run homer off the bat of Airhart.

The Antelopes then rallied to score four runs and take a 6-3 lead before the Mavericks got back on the board in the seventh. UT Arlington picked up two runs when a single from Melendez scored freshman Austin Phillips and senior Tate Bethel, which tightened the Antelopes lead to 6-5.

Grand Canyon built their lead to 7-5 before the UT Arlington offense got going, tying the ballgame at seven in the ninth. The Mavericks added two runs when a single from Melendez brought home Bethel and junior Jordan Medellin. Grand Canyon then scored one time in the bottom half of the ninth to break the tie and grab the 8-7 win.

GAME NOTES
» The Mavericks got three-hit games from three different hitters.
» Melendez drove in four runs for the Mavericks.
» UT Arlington's highest scoring inning was the second, when it pushed three runs across.
» Four UT Arlington hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» UT Arlington pitchers faced 43 Grand Canyon hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 13 fly balls while striking out six.
» Airhart led the Mavericks at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
» Grand Canyon was led offensively by junior Zach Yorke, who went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and three RBI.

ON DECK
The Mavs will play game two of the series at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark at 9 p.m. CT tomorrow, Apr. 27. 

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 X @UTAMavsBSB, on Instagram @UTAMavsBSB and on Facebook at Facebook.com/UTAMavsBSB.