RUSTON, La. — UTSA battled in Sunday’s rubber match at Louisiana Tech, but the Roadrunners dropped a 3-1 decision to the Bulldogs at Pat Patterson Park.
UTSA (28-20, 13-11 C-USA) did avoid its first possible shutout of the year late in the game when Logan Kinder scored Matt Hilston in the eighth on a two-out single.
Louisiana Tech (23-22, 7-16 C-USA) struck early in the bottom of the third and was the only run allowed by starter Patrick Herbelin. The junior was charged with the loss in 2.2 innings of work. Herbelin gave up three hits and struck out three batters.
The Bulldogs added another run in the fourth and were held scoreless through the next three innings by Boone Mokry. Mokry worked 2.1 innings and did not allow a hit, walk or run.
UTSA’s run in the eighth cut LA Tech’s lead in half, but a pinch-hit home run by Zach Burger in the bottom of the frame pushed the Bulldogs lead to 3-1.
The Roadrunners did have an opportunity to score in the sixth inning with bases loaded and no outs. Braden Bristo pitched the sixth and struck out the side after replacing starter Tyler Clancy.
Clancy earned the win in his five innings of action. He struck out five and scattered five hits.
Adam Atkins picked up his sixth save of the year as he hurled the final 1.2 innings. He did not allow a run but gave up two hits.
Jesse Baker and Kevin Markham had multiple hits for the Roadrunners with two and three hits respectively.
UTSA will return to the Alamo City for its final home series of the year when the Roadrunners welcome Middle Tennessee (28-20, 18-6 C-USA) for a three-game series that is scheduled to begin next Friday, May 8.