SAN MARCOS — UTSA suffered an 11-7 road loss to I-35 rival Texas State on Tuesday night at Bobcat Ballpark.
The Roadrunners struggled defensively in the seventh inning as they committed two miscues and went through five arms, which allowed for Texas State to erupt with seven runs to take an 11-7 lead over the visiting team.
Riding a four-game win streak, UTSA (12-8) was off to a hot start scoring in each of the first four innings. The Roadrunners scored two in the first stanza and then used Jesse Baker’s third straight homer in the second inning to plate three runs.
In the top fourth, the Roadrunners tacked on another run on Kevin Markham’s third home run of the year. Texas State (9-10-1) answered back in the home half off a RBI double and wild pitch.
The Bobcats added to its run total in the bottom fifth off of Cedric Vallieres’ two-run homer that landed over in the softball field, 7-4. Texas State threatened in the bottom fifth as they loaded the bases but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
After a quiet sixth inning, the home team erupted for seven runs to take an 11-7 lead over the Roadrunners. The Bobcats batted around in the frame as they registered five hits and three walks.
UTSA was held scoreless through the final five innings with each team registering 11 hits apiece.
Patrick Herbelin was charged with the loss as he failed to record an out in three batters faced. The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and walked one.
Joe Powell earned the win in 2.0 innings of work. Powell scattered one hit and did not allow a run. He also walked two and struck out one.
Baker led the team with a 3-for-5 performance with three RBIs, two runs and a home run.
UTSA will return to Roadrunner Field when it welcomes Western Kentucky (9-9, 2-1 C-USA) for a three-game series beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday.