SAN ANTONIO — UTSA went up early on Southern Miss but struggled to maintain the lead and the Golden Eagles avoided a series sweep with a 10-7 victory on Sunday afternoon at Roadrunner Field.
Both teams combined for five home runs on the day with UTSA scoring five of its runs on the long ball, while Southern Miss scored six.
UTSA (26-18, 12-9 C-USA) struck in the fourth when Trent Bowles left the park for the second time this weekend with a three-run shot. His long ball put the Roadrunners ahead 3-1 after Southern Miss (23-16-1, 10-10 C-USA) scored once in the top half of the frame.
In the sixth, Southern Miss had a breakout inning with three runs to take the lead. A two-run home run and single accounted for the runs.
The Golden Eagles had another big inning in the eighth when nine batters stepped to the plate. A pair of two-run home runs and a single scored all five runs for Southern Miss.
UTSA cut into the lead in the bottom of the frame with a two-run homer off the bat of catcher John Bormann.
The Roadrunners then used Bormann’s blast as momentum in the ninth, as they put a rally together by loading the bases and no outs. Kevin Markham drew the walk to score Logan Kinder and, three batters later; Bowles drew his only walk of the day to score Jesse Baker.
Southern Miss closer Christian Talley managed to get out of the jam with a line drive catch to end the game and earn the save.
James McMahon earned the win in 6.1 innings of work. The right-hander allowed three runs on three hits and issued three walks to go along with three strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Filipek was charged with the loss in 2.1 innings in relief. He allowed three runs on three hits.
UTSA will return to the Bird Bath on Tuesday, April 28, when it welcomes Baylor (17-25) for a 6 p.m. tilt.