Baseball Loses Early Lead in Game One of OC Series

SAN ANTONIO — Despite early offensive fireworks and a strong starting pitching performance, the St. Mary's University Baseball team couldn't sustain the early lead, falling 12-9 to Oklahoma Christian on Friday night.
 
The Rattlers (5-9, 4-9 Lone Star Conference) plated eight runs in the first three innings, thanks in part to timely hitting with runners on base. Senior outfielders RJ Galvan (Alice, Texas) and Trey Guajardo (San Juan, Texas) sent no-doubters over the outfield fence. Galvan laced a two-run shot over the fence in right-center two pitches after sophomore Garrett Brooks (Spring Branch, Texas) hit the fence in almost the same place during the first inning. After being hit by a pitch in the second frame, Guajardo retaliated by hitting the first grand slam of his career in the third inning to double the Rattlers' lead to 8-0.
 
Senior Javier De Alejandro (San Antonio) retired eight straight from the end of the second until allowing a single with one out in the fifth inning. He struck out seven in five innings, surrendering four runs on seven hits before giving way to the bullpen. Senior Matt Bundy (Whitehouse, Texas) gave up six runs on five hits and hit two batters in 1/3 inning to fall to 1-2 on the year. Senior Brett Brown (Sinton, Texas) conceded two runs on two hits, walking one and striking out one in his 2 2/3 innings of work. Freshman Miguel Bustamante (San Antonio) worked a scoreless ninth, striking out one, needing only eight pitches to finish the job.
 
Galvan and senior Easton Parrish (La Vernia, Texas) each had a two-hit day, while Guajardo (4), Galvan (2) and Jacob Elizondo (2) each drove in multiple runs. San Antonio natives Devin Goins and Hogan Heller also each drew two walks.
 
The teams return to the diamond on Saturday for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. and conclude the four-game series on Sunday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.