Angelo State University put five runs on the board during its first two turns at bat and defeated Arkansas Tech University 6-2 in Grand Prairie, Texas, in the 2018 baseball season opener for both teams on Thursday.
The Rams got a two-run single from Jacob Boston in the top of the first inning, and they tacked on three more runs courtesy of a pair of bases-loaded walks and a fielder’s choice in the top of the second.
Angelo State led 5-1 after two innings, and the Rams’ pitching staff made that lead stand.
ASU starter Shane Browning (1-0) was charged with two runs, one of which was earned, on three hits over five innings. Cole Brandon provided the Rams with three and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief, and Kellen Rholl came on to get the final out of the game.
Arkansas Tech starting pitcher Zack Kesterson (0-1) allowed six runs, five of which were earned, on nine hits in five innings. Jake Mattox covered the final four innings for the Wonder Boys and surrendered neither a run or a hit.
Riley Hickerson and Kyle Gibbs both had an RBI single for Arkansas Tech.
The Wonder Boys will face the University of Central Oklahoma in Grand Prairie on Friday, Feb. 2. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Live coverage will be available at www.arkansastechsports.com.
