Aidan Eshelman Hits During Tuesday Road Victory Over Tarleton State (April 7, 2026 - Stephenville, Texas)Aidan Eshelman Hits During Tuesday Road Victory Over Tarleton State (April 7, 2026 - Stephenville, Texas)
Marco Ochoa
Baseball

Hot Start Boosts Four-Run Road Victory

Box Score

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – UTSA Baseball jumped out early at Tarleton State on Tuesday, riding a pair of first-inning home runs en route to a 6-2 win. The visitors extended their winning streak to three, capping off their five-game road trip at 23-10 overall with a 6-3 mark in American play. The Texans racked up just six hits and one walk, dropping their third straight game to fall to 21-11 overall.

FIRST INNING

For the first time all season, it was not Lane Haworth starting in right field, but rather Caden Miller. The sophomore got things going with a leadoff double, extending his four-game hitting streak. Then, Drew Detlefsen unleashed his 12th home run of the season for his 40th and 41st RBIs on the campaign. Designated hitter Garrett Gruell then followed up with a hard-hit single, setting up Andrew Stucky still with no outs. The senior belted one over the left-field netting for UTSA’s second two-RBI home run of the afternoon before tallying a single out.

After his offense was retired, James Hubbard got to work on the mound in the bottom half for his first start of 2026. The senior shut down the Texans in the early stages, sitting them down in order to maintain a 4-0 lead.

SECOND INNING

With one away, Caden Miller hustled around the bases, extending a hit off the center-field wall into a triple. Two pitches later, Drew Detlefsen brought his fellow outfielder home with a sacrifice fly, pushing the visitors ahead by five. In the home half, a double down the line in left was good for TSU’s first hit, but nothing came of the two-base knock.

THIRD INNING

Andrew Stucky was hit by a pitch to lead things off before trotting into scoring position courtesy of a Diego Diaz walk. Lane Haworth’s ensuing hard-hit single loaded the bases. Cade Sadler’s ground ball to third then scored a run on a fielder’s choice, extending the lead to a half dozen. When the Texans headed to the plate, Mike DeBattista took over in relief. A walk and a double cut into the deficit, but the hosts still trailed 6-1.

FOURTH INNING

A one-out single and a double with two away plated TSU’s second run, cueing Ryan Self out of the bullpen. The freshman exited the frame with no further damage, holding on to a 6-2 edge that stood for the game’s final half.

SIXTH INNING

After closing the frame prior with a double play, Christopher Gutierrez returned for his second inning of work. A first-pitch single went unsupported for the home squad, with the freshman taking just eight pitches to retire the next three batters in order.

SEVENTH INNING

Following another quiet top half, UTSA returned to the field up four. After notching the first out of the inning, Gutierrez headed to the dugout, making way for Conor Kelley. The junior wasted no time in retiring the final two batters on four pitches before returning for the eighth inning.

EIGHTH INNING

Christian Hallmark’s two-out single got the sophomore aboard before he headed to second on a balk. However, the ‘Runners were once again unable to capitalize on the opportunity. With Kelley recording two outs, Sam Simmons stepped out of the bullpen needing four outs to head home victorious. On a full count, the senior forced a popup, sending the game to its final stanza.  

NINTH INNING

Simmons retired the first batter on two pitches before striking out the final two Texans of the evening. The final out came on a looking punchout, capping off a 6-2 win for UTSA’s third straight victory. 

NUMBERS OF NOTE

  • UTSA improved to 6-3 all-time against Tarleton State, climbing to 3-2 on the road.
  • The ‘Runners are now 9-7 in true road games this spring, extending their winning streak to three.
  • Over the last 25 innings, UTSA has allowed two runs from its opponents.
  • Tuesday’s win was the Roadrunners’ sixth outing of the season allowing less than two walks.
  • The ‘Runners hit multiple home runs for the 14th time this season, improving to 10-4 when doing so.
  • Drew Detlefsen’s home run marked his 12th of the campaign, expanding his team lead.
  • After tossing his career-high 2.1 innings on Saturday, Christopher Gutierrez was solid in 2.0 scoreless Tuesday innings, allowing just one hit and one hit batter.
  • The true freshman dropped his season ERA to a team-best 1.59.
  • James Hubbard picked up his first win of 2026, tossing 2.0 innings without a run while allowing just one hit.
  • Cade Sadler tallied an RBI for the second straight Tuesday, upping his season total to two.
  • The junior’s eight putouts at first base on Tuesday matched an individual season high.
  • Andrew Stucky’s first-inning blast was his ninth home run of 2026, securing his eighth multi-RBI day.
  • Jordan Ballin was the lone Roadrunner to earn two walks as his team tallied four.
  • UTSA improved to 20-6 when drawing at least four bases on balls this spring.
  • Garrett Gruell was one of two Roadrunners with two hits, notching his fourth multi-hit game of the year.
  • For the fifth straight game, UTSA did not record a single error.

UP NEXT

After the matchup at TSU, UTSA will return home for its second conference series at Roadrunner Field this season. The Navy & Orange will welcome South Florida (24-8, 5-4) to Alamo City for a three-game set beginning on Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m. All the action in San Antonio will be streamed live on ESPN+ and available to follow via utsa.statbroadcast.com.

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