SAN ANGELO, Texas – The St. Mary's Baseball team almost pulled off the comeback against top-ranked Angelo State on Friday night, scoring six runs in the top of the eighth inning to close within three, but the Rams plated two in the bottom of the frame to win 13-8.
The Rattlers (7-3, 5-2 Lone Star Conference) used a pitch-by-committee approach, throwing five different arms. Freshman Karlo Kalifa (Round Rock, Texas) started his first collegiate game and took the loss. He allowed five runs on six hits with one strikeout in two innings. Sophomore transfer Josh Buske (San Antonio) gave up four runs on two hits, walking three in one inning. Caden Floyd (Corpus Christi, Texas) walked both hitters he faced. Senior Johnny Hernandez (El Paso, Texas) pitched for the first time in his St. Mary's career. He threw 3 2/3 innings and gave up just one earned run on five hits with one strikeout. Freshman Justin Ortega (San Antonio) finished things out, surrendering two runs on one hit with three walks.
Junior Ryan McGowen (San Antonio) went 2-for-4 with a triple and a home run and sophomore Mauro Bustamante (Helotes, Texas) was also 2-for-4. Both senior Scott Short (Ingram, Texas) and junior Shawn Tober (San Antonio) recorded two RBI in the six run eighth inning. Senior Derek Mueller (Carrolton, Texas) and junior Jake Mares (Fort Worth, Texas) each added a stolen base.
St. Mary's scored its eight runs on nine hits, while the Rams (7-1) tallied their 13 runs on 14 hits. The Rattlers committed two errors, while Angelo State recorded one.
Trent Baker got the win for the Rams to improve to 3-0 on the season after allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out five. Three other hurlers combined to throw the final three innings.
The teams take the field for a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.
