HATTIESBURG, Miss. — UTSA led by one run heading into the bottom of the ninth but Southern Miss’ Tim Lynch laced a one-out single down the right field line to score two runs and give the Golden Eagles a 6-5 victory Thursday night at Pete Taylor Park.
Despite the loss, UTSA outhit Southern Miss 10-8 and snapped the Golden Eagles’ five-game double-digit hit run.
Karan Patel, who faced the final four batters of the inning, was charged with the loss as he gave up the go-ahead run.
Meanwhile, Nick Sandlin earned his second win of the season in 4.2 innings. The freshman right-hander struck out four and allowed one run on four hits.
After trailing 2-0, UTSA (10-11, 1-3 C-USA) rallied for four runs in the fifth inning to lead the home team, 4-2.
UTSA scored its four runs on three hits, two of which were doubles. The Roadrunners finished with five doubles on the night.
Southern Miss (17-6, 3-1 C-USA) slowly made up the deficit with runs in the sixth and seventh to trail 5-4 and came back from behind for the win in the ninth.
Patrick Herbelin faced one batter in the top of the ninth but was charged with three runs (two unearned) in four innings of work.
All but two in the starting lineup notched at least one hit with Jason Serchay, Mason George and Matt Hilston each tallying two hits.
Game 2 of the series will continue on Friday, March 25, with first pitch slated for 6 p.m