UTRGV baseball falls against No. 22 Southern Miss

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The UTRGV Vaqueros baseball team saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end with a 3-1 loss to the No. 22 Southern Miss Golden Eagles on Tuesday at Pete Taylor Park.

Matthew Adams (2-1) held the Vaqueros (11-3) off the board until the seventh, when sophomore Armani Raygoza launched an opposite field home run, his team-leading fifth of the season, to bring the Vaqueros within 3-1.

After Raygoza’s home run, junior Rene Galván singled and senior Hank Warren reached on an error, marking the first time the Vaqueros had multiple baserunners in an inning.

The Vaqueros attempted to rally again in the ninth, as with one out, senior Steven Lancia and Raygoza singled, but Colby Allen retired the next two batters for his fourth save.

Ozzie Pratt put the Golden Eagles (12-5) up 1-0 in the first by hitting a solo home run off senior Francisco Hernandez (1-1).

Pratt drove-in another run by grounding to a fielder’s choice in the second, making the score 2-0.

The Vaqueros’ bullpen was solid, as graduate student Jack Lopez struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings, junior Edinburg High alumnus Daren Barrera struck out four in 3.1 innings, junior Steven Oliva struck out one in 0.2 scoreless innings, and senior Robert Bonilla pitched a scoreless inning.

The lone run against the bullpen came in the fifth, as with a runner at first and two outs, Nick Monistere doubled down the left field line against Barrera to score a run and make the score 3-0.

UTRGV resumes Southland Conference play with a three-game series against reigning conference tournament champion Nicholls starting Friday at 6:30 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. UTRGV is running three promotions for this game, including Vaqueros Against Violence, Community Heroes Night, and Superhero Night. The UTRGV Office for Advocacy & Violence Prevention will be promoting awareness about domestic violence. Frontline workers, first responders, teachers, and those wearing superhero costumes or shirts receive free general admission. There will also be a superhero costume contest, presented by Vaquero Outfitters.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at UTRGVTickets.com.

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