ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington defeated Lamar, 10-2, Friday afternoon at Clay Gould Ballpark in its 2026 home opener, using a balanced offensive attack and dominant relief pitching to secure the series-opening win.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Mavericks responded with 10 unanswered runs, including a four-run seventh and three-run eighth to pull away.
Zach Mazoch led the offensive surge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, scoring twice and driving in a run.
Noah Fields went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI, while
Austin Phillips added two hits, including a home run, and drove in three.
Xander McAfee contributed a double and three RBI, and
Preston Knott scored three times as UTA finished with 13 hits and went 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
Fields' solo home run in the second inning marked the first home run of the 2026 season at Clay Gould Ballpark, jumpstarting the Mavericks after Lamar's early two-run frame. UTA added single runs in the third and fourth before breaking the game open late behind five hits in the seventh and timely two-out production in both the seventh and eighth innings.
PITCHING PROFILE
- Caylon Dygert started and worked four innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three. Nick Perry (1-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing three hits and striking out one.
- Jacob Gabler provided two shutout innings out of the bullpen, striking out two and not allowing a hit. Danny Valadez closed the game in dominant fashion, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth to secure the victory.
- UTA pitchers combined to allow just eight hits while striking out nine and holding Lamar to 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
ON DECK
UT Arlington continues its three-game series against Lamar on Saturday at Clay Gould Ballpark.
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