SAN ANTONIO – On Tuesday, UTSA Baseball hosted Texas State for the final midweek installment of 2026. The Roadrunners jumped out early with an eight-run first inning and never looked back, crushing the Bobcats by a final score of 19-4 in seven innings. Ten hits and 14 free passes were more than enough for the Navy & Orange to bash their I-35 rival and earn a season split with the Sun Belt representatives.
FIRST INNING
While Blayne Lyne picked up his first collegiate start, but was quickly relieved by Kendall Dove. The senior got out of a two-runner jam unscathed, bringing out his offense for an explosive eight-run frame.
Drew Detlefsen’s one-out double got the ‘Runners going before Andrew Stucky was hit by a pitch. Then, Garrett Gruell picked up an infield single to load the bases ahead of two straight RBI ground balls. An error and a sacrifice fly helped swell the lead to three ahead of Jordan Ballin. The sophomore paired up with Josh Arquette for base hits on two consecutive pitches to double UTSA’s advantage at 6-0. Caden Miller then sent the third straight pitch for a hit over the left-center wall and capped off an eight-run first frame with his seventh home run of 2026.
SECOND INNING
Three straight hits scored Texas State’s first run, sending Mike DeBattista out of the bullpen. On two pitches, the senior escaped the frame still up seven. Back-to-back two-out walks to Brandon Bishop and Jordan Ballin preluded TXST’s second pitching change of the night. The first offering went to Aidan Eshelman, who belted a single through the left side for a 9-1 edge. A walk, hit batter and wild pitch then brought in two more Roadrunners as they took a commanding 11-1 lead into the third.
THIRD INNING
After a leadoff walk, DeBattista struck out the next three batters in order, bringing Garrett Gruell back up to the plate. A throwing error was followed up by another hit batter and a walk that loaded the bases. Christian Hallmark’s single then preluded Aidan Eshelman’s third hit of the night, with both knocks scoring runs. Another walk to Caden Miller set up Andrew Stucky’s two-run single up the middle for an incredible 16-1 edge.
FOURTH INNING
A throwing error set up a two-run shot over the left-field wall that cut Texas State’s deficit to 13. Christopher Gutierrez wrapped up the inning with a flyout, setting up his offense’s final impactful trip to the plate. Two hit batters sandwiched a walk as Jordan Ballin stepped up with the bases juiced. The sophomore singled down the line in left, scoring Diaz and leaving three aboard. Two straight sacrifice flies from Eshelman and Miller brought in UTSA’s final two runs of the game. A groundout capped an inning in which the hosts amassed a 19-3 lead.
SEVENTH INNING
A leadoff home run from the Bobcats cut the margin to 15 before Ryan Self struck out two of the night’s final three batters. UTSA prevailed by a final score of 19-4 to earn its fifth run-rule victory of the season.
NUMBERS OF NOTE
- The ‘Runners won their fifth game in the past six outings against their I-35 rival, avenging a Feb. 24 loss in San Marcos.
- UTSA improved to 42-64 all-time against Texas, jumping to 24-28 at home.
- In its past four games, UTSA has stranded 43 runners on base, including eight on Tuesday.
- Caden Miller’s two-walk day was his 13th of the season with multiple bases on balls. The sophomore boosted his team-high total to 49 in the win.
- Aidan Eshelman’s first career three-hit day resulted in his first four-RBI game of his campaign, with both marks leading the team in the win.
- Jordan Ballin was the only other ‘Runner with two hits on Tuesday, adding as many walks, runs and RBIs.
- UTSA earned 14 free trips to first base, drawing nine walks while being hit by five pitches.
- Caden Miller’s first-inning home run was his seventh of the season, boosting his three-RBI day.
- In its past two home midweek games, UTSA outscored opponents 41-14.
- UTSA finished the season with a perfect 4-0 record in home midweek games.
UP NEXT
Following their matchup with the Bobcats, the ‘Runners will host UAB (29-23, 13-11) in a crucial three-game season finale. Both sides enter with a shot at the American Conference regular-season title as the series opens on Thursday at 6 p.m. All the action from Roadrunner Field will be streamed live on ESPN+ and available to follow via utsa.statbroadcast.com.
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