HOUSTON – A pair of errors proved costly for University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball Sunday, as they led to four runs for St. Mary's in a 6-3 loss to the Rattlers in the finale of the Houston Winter Invitational at Minute Maid Park.
Leading 3-2 in the sixth and a runner on second, the Rattlers (2-1) tied the game on a dropped pop up, which would have been the third out for the Lions' (1-2) defense.
The very next inning, the UAFS defense dropped another pop up on the infield, putting runners on first and second with one out. After a fielder's choice, St. Mary's broke the game open with a three-run homer into the Crawford Boxes.
UAFS did not record a hit in the final five innings, and had just one runner reach on an error.
The Lions took an early 3-0 lead in the top of the third. Senior catcher Dylan Hurt started a two-out rally with a single to center, then scored on a bases loaded wild pitch following two walks.
Junior right fielder Tristan Kalina then delivered a two-run single to center from the cleanup spot in the order, and advanced to second on the throw home.
UAFS had just four hits on the afternoon.
Starter Trevor Johnson pitched 3.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six. Lefty Nico Sharp relieved Johnson, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames.
Reliever Foster Pace took the loss after allowing four unearned runs over two innings. Coby Greiner pitched a scoreless ninth for the Lions.
UAFS will see a familiar opponent to open Lone Star Conference play next weekend, as Lubbock Christian visits Crowder Field. The Lions and Chaps squared off Saturday at Minute Maid Park.
