LONGVIEW – The Sul Ross State Lobos scored four unanswered runs in the middle innings and held on for a 4-2 win Friday over the LeTourneau YellowJackets.
The Lobos' Luke Fry (2-2) gave up a couple of RBI singles in the first inning but kept the Jackets at bay from that point onward and picked up the win after scattering seven hits over seven innings.
Garrett Methvin (Longview, Texas/Arkansas) pitched seven innings for the YellowJackets and struck out nine batters, but defensive lapses behind him meant he took the loss. In his second game on the mound, Methvin (0-1) threw 117 pitches.
Kirby Cantalamessa (Pearland, Texas/Home school) pitched two hitless innings in relief for the Jackets, striking out two batters in the process.
The YellowJackets (5-4) struck first when they placed runners on base in the first inning. With two outs, Chris Bertram (Friendswood, Texas/Baytown Christian) knocked a single up the middle, scoring Drew Sharp (Frisco, Texas/Wakeland).
Haydn Vaughn (Garland, Texas/Rowlett) followed with an RBI single that sent Nate Tomaszewski (Dove Canyon, Calif./Tesoro). Seconds after Tomaszewski put the Jackets ahead 2-0, the Lobos ended the rally by catching Bertram in a rundown.
The Lobos got on the board in the fourth inning when Brennyn Smith knocked a solo home run over the left field fence.
Sul Ross State tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning after the Lobos put runners on a second and third thanks to a double that got lost in the sun.
A similar incident occurred in the top of the sixth, this time with two outs in the inning. Lobo leftfielder Andy Silcox doubled home Brian Mata on the play. One batter later, No. 9 hitter B.J. Brown singled up the middle, allowing Cameron Sellstrom to score and giving the Lobos a 4-2 lead.
The Jackets placed runners in scoring position with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but the rally was stifled by Lobo relief pitcher Jose Gonzales.
One inning later, Cody Christian picked up his second save of the season for the Lobos.
Vaughn and Methvin each picked up two hits for the Jackets.
The YellowJackets return to action Saturday when they host the Lobos in a doubleheader. First pitch of Saturday's opener is scheduled for noon.