AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi baseball team picked up its signature win of the
season, defeating the No. 18 Texas Longhorns, 6-4, Tuesday night at Disch-Falk Field.
The Islanders (12-12) were able to bounce back after Texas (17-12) scored the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth by plating three runners in the 10th to pull away from the Longhorns. It marked the first extra-inning affair of the year for A&M-Corpus Christi.
A&M-Corpus Christi led off the 10th inning with consecutive base hits by Tyler Ware and Lukas Hermanson, who later moved up a bag on a passed ball by Corpus Christi native, Michael Cantu. Justin Perales, another Corpus Christi native delivered the go-ahead RBI with a groundout to second.
In his first game action in three weeks, Cody Clarke added two insurance runs with a bloop single to right field that fell in between three Texas fielders.
It marks the first win over the Longhorns since Feb. 22, 2011, when the Islanders won, 8-7 in Austin.
The Islanders led all the way into the ninth and it didn't take long for the visitors to get on the board. With two outs in the third, Brandon Guilford drew a walk and then stole second. Lukas Hermanson delivered a clutch RBI single to center to score Guilford.
A&M-Corpus Christi would add on a run in both the fifth and sixth innings to extend the lead to 3-0. After second baseman Brett Burner reached on a throwing error and Guilford picked up a base hit to right; a throwing error allowed both runners to advance a base. Ware executed a perfect safety-squeeze bunt, allowing the runner from third to score.
In the sixth, senior Jordan Lee hit his first home run of the year and sixth of his career. Lee's home run was the first home run allowed by UT's bullpen in 22.1 innings of work and the second home run given up at home for Texas this year.
The Islanders pitching was strong all-around throughout the night. Scheduled to go just three innings, junior Garrett Harris allowed only two hits and two via the strikeout. Out of the bullpen, Tyler Schnuriger tossed three and a third innings and allowed two hits while striking out four.
Jacob Dorris (1-2) picked up the win for the Islanders after going three innings. He faced 15 batters and allowed two hits. Three of the Longhorns six hits were for extra bases, but the Islanders were able to work out of jams throughout the game. Texas used eight pitchers with Conner Mayes taking the loss.
Hermanson and Clarke finished with two hits each, while Ware, Lee, Burner, Guilford and Perales added a hit each. Joe Baker led Texas, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The Islanders continue Southland Conference play this weekend at Lamar. The team begins the three-game series Thursday at 6 p.m.
For updates throughout the season be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@IslandersBSB) and Facebook (Islanders Baseball). Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the Islanders Front Row App at GoIslanders.com/frontrow.
