RELATED LINKSBox scoreUpdated 2012 season statisticsBox score (.pdf)Updated 2012 season statistics (.pdf)
CORPUS CHRISTI — Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scored five runs in the seventh inning and the Islanders rallied for a 6-3 loss in the Southland Conference opener for both clubs on Friday night at Chapman Field.
The Roadrunners (8-5, 0-1 SLC) took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the deciding inning, but the Islanders (8-7, 1-0 SLC) mounted a rally against senior starting pitcher Casey Selsor.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi drew back-to-back walks to lead off the frame and Jeramie Marek loaded the bases with a bunt single. Selsor then issued another free pass that tied the game at two and chased him from the contest. Two batters later, Kyle Danford delivered a go-ahead sacrifice fly and the Islanders tacked on three more insurance runs in the panel.
Adam Hoelscher (4-1) limited the Birds to a pair of unearned runs on six hits, while walking one and striking out five in eight innings.
Senior catcher Colby Braddock went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI to lead UTSA at the plate.
A&M-Corpus Christi broke the scoring seal in the sixth with an unearned run.
Drew Vest led off the panel by reaching on a fielding error by Selsor. Eric Weiss then attempted to move Vest to second but Selsor threw out the lead runner on a bunt. However, Weiss ended up scoring two batters later on Jonathan Gonzales' two-out single to right center.
The Roadrunners answered with a pair of unearned runs in the seventh.
After junior Ryan Dalton reached on an error and senior Matthew James singled through the left side of the infield, Braddock ripped a double to left that scored Dalton. Sophomore RJ Perucki then gave the Birds a 2-1 cushion on a ground out that plated James.
Selsor (3-1) allowed five runs (four earned) and a half dozen hits in six-plus innings. He walked five and struck out a pair.
The series continues at 3 p.m. on Saturday.