LUFKIN, Texas – The Blinn Buccaneers rallied for four runs in the 10th inning Tuesday night to salvage a double-header split against the Angelina Roadrunners.
Angelina took the first game 7-2 before Blinn won the nightcap 7-3 in 10 innings.
The Buccaneers strung together four hits in their game-winning rally as Nolan Brown got things started with a leadoff double, Taylor Cobb was hit by a pitch and Cullen Gassaway singled to load the bases.
Hayden Vesely and Tyler Coker followed with RBI singles, Brandon Montalvo brought home another run with a fielder’s choice and Scott Brown added a sacrifice fly to produce the final score.
Nolan Brown and Coker finished the game with three hits apiece, while Cobb and Vesely each had two. Gassaway, Josh Garza and J.C. Neighbors each had hits for the Buccaneers as seven different players each drove in a run.
Blake Whitter earned the win in relief for the Bucs, throwing 2 2/3 shutout innings. The sophomore right-hander allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out three.
Wesley Wick gave Blinn a strong start, striking out five over six innings. He allowed one unearned run on three hits and a walk before Karl Malecek came on to throw 1 1/3 innings. Malecek allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk.
Jarret Pickens took the loss for Angelina.
Angelina took the opening game behind three hits from Greg Belton and six strong innings from starting pitcher Jarrid Garcia.
Colin Kowal, Vesely, Cobb and Gassaway had Blinn’s only hits of the night.
Sophomore Trent Rape took the loss for the Bucs, allowing three earned runs over three innings. Michael Vielma threw three innings in relief, allowing three unearned runs while walking two and striking out two.
Both of Blinn’s runs came in the sixth inning as Kevin Santana drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, then scored on Gassaway’s RBI single.
The Buccaneers will play New Mexico Junior College in a noon double-header in Hobbs, N.M. on Saturday, and will conclude the series with an 11 a.m. game Sunday.
For more information on Blinn baseball, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
