SAN ANTONIO — A five-run ninth inning was not enough for UTSA to overcome, as an early outburst of nine runs by Saint Joseph's was just enough in a tight 11-10 decision in the opener of a four-game series on Friday night at Wolff Stadium.
The Roadrunners (2-3) left 13 runners on base in the one-run setback, including the tying run at third in their final at bat.
The Hawks (3-2) brought in Brett Koliani to put a halt to the comeback bid and he earned his second save of the year after sandwiching a pair of strikeouts around a two-out triple by sophomore Ryan Dalton. UTSA tagged reliever Jordan Carter for all five ninth-inning runs before he gave way to Koliani.
Dominic Favazza (1-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief, a stint that included two strikeouts.
Anthony Cirillo paced the visitors with a 2-for-5 performance and five RBIs, while Greg Kumpel was 4-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI out of the ninth spot in the order.
Sophomore Daniel Rockett went 3-for-5 with a two-run double in the ninth, a total of three RBIs and a pair of runs scored to lead UTSA. Freshman Riley Good also registered three hits, while Dalton, sophomore Jake Wood and freshman Mike Warren drove in two runs apiece.
Junior Jordan Langley (0-1) was saddled with the loss. The right-hander lasted just 2.2 innings, yielding six runs (five earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts.
The series continues with a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday.
