NATCHITOCHES, La. – The UT Arlington Mavericks open the season with a 3-2 loss in 14 innings to the Northwestern State Demons Friday night at Brown-Stroud Field. The season opener featured strong pitching on both sides and remained tied deep into extra innings before Northwestern State secured a walk-off in the 14th.
UTA broke through first in the third inning as
Harold Laracuente scored on an RBI triple from Knott to give the Mavericks a 1–0 lead. The Mavericks maintained control behind steady pitching and added to the lead in the eighth when
Xavier Melendez delivered an RBI single to push the advantage to 2–0.
Northwestern State answered in the bottom half of the eighth with a two-run home run to even the score. Both teams traded scoreless innings from there, forcing extras as neither side produced the go-ahead run despite multiple baserunners and chances late.
Melendez led the Mavericks offensively with a four-hit performance, recording four singles across the night. UTA also received hits from Phillips and Laracuente in key spots as the lineup consistently applied pressure, but the Mavericks were unable to convert in the late innings.
The Demons closed the game in the bottom of the 14th, stringing together baserunners before a single to center field brought home the winning run for the 3–2 final.
PITCHING PROFILE
Caylon Dygert made the Opening Day start and was sharp early, holding Northwestern State scoreless while staying under 70 pitches into the sixth inning. He kept the Mavericks in front and worked efficiently before turning the game over to the bullpen.
Jacob Havern entered in the seventh inning and worked into the eighth, where Northwestern State tied the game with a two-run homer. Melville took over in the ninth and recorded key outs to prevent a walk-off, while senior left-hander
Merek Sears came on in the 11th and delivered scoreless innings to extend the contest into the 14th.
ON DECK
The Mavericks continue the three-game road series Saturday at Brown-Stroud Field against Northwestern State.
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