ARLINGTON, Texas – The UT Arlington Mavericks opened their weekend series against ULM with a dramatic finish Friday night, as
Xander McAfee delivered a walk-off RBI single down the left field line in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 4–3 victory at Clay Gould Ballpark.
With the game tied at 3–3 entering the bottom of the ninth,
Xavier Melendez reached base to start the rally and eventually moved into scoring position. McAfee then lined a pitch down the left field line, allowing the winning run to score and sending the Mavericks to their fourth win of the season.
UTA built an early lead behind timely offense and another strong outing from
Caylon Dygert on the mound. The right-hander kept ULM's offense in check throughout the evening, allowing the Mavericks to control the game into the late innings.
The Mavericks opened the scoring in the third inning when
Jackson Hill reached base and later came home on an RBI single from
Preston Knott.
Zach Mazoch followed with a two-out RBI knock later in the frame to extend the lead to 2–0.
UTA added another run in the eighth inning as
Harold Laracuente drove in
Noah Fields with an RBI single to push the Mavericks' advantage to 3–1.
ULM answered in the top of the ninth with two runs to tie the game at 3–3, setting the stage for McAfee's walk-off heroics in the bottom half of the inning.
Pitching Profile
- Caylon Dygert delivered a strong start for the Mavericks, working 7.0 innings while allowing one run on six hits. The right-hander struck out two and did not issue a walk, continuing his impressive start to the season.
- Out of the bullpen, Hayes Melville worked the final two innings and kept the Mavericks within reach before the offense completed the walk-off rally.
On Deck
The Mavericks and Warhawks continue their three-game series Saturday at Clay Gould Ballpark.
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