Runs were not in short order Friday night as both teams racked up over 15 hits, but UVU prevailed over WAC foe UTRGV 16-11 in the first game of the season’s final home series. Included in the hitting frenzy was a single from Justin Erlandson that extended his impressive hitting streak to 14 games.
The Vaqueros drew first blood in the top of the second inning when Victor Garcia, Jr. hit a solo home run over the left field fence followed by a two-RBI double by Jose Garcia that made the score 3-0. The Wolverines responded immediately when Erlandson was hit by a pitch and later came home on a wild pitch. UVU took their first lead of the game with three runs in the bottom of the third with an RBI single from Greyson Bogden followed by a two-RBI double from Mark Krueger and never relented.
On a night when it seemed everyone could get a hit in, Krueger was in a particular groove, ending the game with three hits and four RBIs. Also coming in with three hits on the night were Stone Ramsey and Trevor Howell. UVU batted 10-17 with runners in scoring position.
After falling down 12-6 going into the eighth inning, UTRGV mounted a comeback effort, scoring four runs in the frame. Not to be outdone, though, UVU came right back with four of their own in the bottom of the eighth, where Erlandson’s streak was also extended. The Vaqueros added one more run in the ninth to produce the final score, but it was too little, too late.
Danny Beddes got the start on the mound for UVU and pitched five complete innings, ending his night with six strikeouts, having given up eight hits and four earned runs. Evan Fresquez, Logan Hold, Eric Olguin and Marco Briones combined to finish the game for the Wolverines.
UTRGV starting pitcher Ryan Jackson threw only 3.1 innings before giving way to the bull pen, giving up eight hits and seven earned runs with one strikeout. Four different Vaquero relievers took a turn on the mound before the night was over.
The Wolverines will look to take the second game of the weekend series on May 14 with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.
