AUSTIN, Texas – The 21st-ranked Concordia University Texas baseball team scored six runs in the sixth inning to capture a 10-5 victory over Hardin-Simmons in the American Southwest Conference series opener on Friday night at Tornado Field.

The Tornados (13-4, 8-1 ASC) held a 4-2 lead after five frames. However, the Cowboys (5-5, 1-2 ASC) plated three runs in the sixth to grab a one-run advantage.

That was the last time Hardin-Simmons would score on the night.

In the bottom of the panel, Concordia Texas sent 11 batters to the plate. The Cowboys were forced to make two pitching changes in the inning. The Tornados started the sixth with back-to-back hits by Gareth Hutton and Cole Calder. Luke Kress then reached on a fielder's choice, which allowed Hutton to score. After a balk, Hardin-Simmons reliever Evan Meyer picked up two outs. But, another Meyer balk forced in a run. He then walked three consecutive batters to allowed one more run to score.

With two outs in the frame, Cameron Cox hit a grounder to third base that was misplayed, allowing two more to cross the plate. Hutton then came back to the plate and drove in a run with a single to center field, which capped the scoring.

The rest of the game belonged to Justin Traxler.

The right-hander, who entered the contest with one out in the sixth, hurled 3.2 scoreless stanzas and struck out seven. Traxler (2-1) allowed just two hits and walked two while earning the win in relief.

Ragan Pope started the game, but did not figure into the decision. The left-hander gave up five runs on six hits and fanned seven over 5.1 panels.

Meanwhile, Meyer (1-1) was saddled with the loss after giving up five runs (two earned) on one hit and three walks.

Concordia's offense pounded out 13 hits on the day. Hutton led the way with a 4-for-5 performance that included a double and an RBI. Garrett Benyo and Michael Evan each collected a pair of hits, while Luke Kress was 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

The series will conclude Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.