The No. 19-ranked Buffs opened the series getting a 5-3 victory on Friday. On Saturday, WTAMU earned a 2-1 walk-off victory before falling in the night cap of a doubleheader 10-0 but were able to bounce back with a dramatic 7-5 walk-off win to close the matchup on Sunday.
The Buffs are now 10-2 to start the 2024 campaign as well as 10-2 in the Lone Star Conference.
WTAMU steps out of conference to host Drury with a three-game series starting on Friday.
Series recap
Game 1
West Texas A&M 5, St. Edward’s 3
WTAMU pitcher Nick Marshall was strong on the bump in the opener picking up his 20th career win during a 5-3 victory on Friday.
Marshall worked 6.1 innings allowing two runs on two hits with eight strikeouts. Marshall becomes only the third player in program history to reach 20 career victories joining Joe Corbett (2018-2019) and current Tascosa baseball coach Jason Patrick (1994-1997).
As for the offense, Ryan Micklus drove in an RBI on a double and left fielder Ryan Camacho was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Game 2
West Texas A&M 2, St. Edward’s 1
The Buffs were able to use the dramatics in the opening game of Saturday’s doubleheader.
With the game tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Rodric Black reached base and moved into scoring position on a Hilltopper error which allowed Micklus to drive in Black with the game-winning run on a single.
Buff starting pitcher Matt Milner didn’t factor in the decision but had a strong outing in the pitcher’s duel going six innings, scattering seven hits, but allowed only one earned run with two K’s.
WTAMU reliever Douglas Rojas (2-0) picked up the win for the Buffs throwing a scoreless top of the seventh without allowing a run or hit with two strikeouts.
Game 3
St. Edward’s 10, West Texas A&M 0
St. Edward’s exploded to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second and never looked back.
Diego Solis led the Hilltoppers going 2-for-4 at the dish with an RBI double. SEU pitcher Jakub Rayfield handcuffed the Buffs throwing a complete game shutout, holding WTAMU to only two hits with six strikeouts.
Game 4
West Texas A&M 7, St. Edward’s 5
Sunday’s finale saw the Buff bats bring a thrilling series victory to Wilder Park.
Down 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Zak Betancourt delivered in a pinch-hit situation as well as his first at-bat of the year driving a three-run home run down the right field line to lift the Buffs to an amazing 7-5 victory.
Buff teammate Dylan Fesperman was clutch at the plate going 2-for-4 including a 2-run homer in the bottom of the seventh.
The Buffs were led by a plethora of pitching led by Rojas (3-0) getting his second win of the series working 0.2 of scoreless work with a strikeout.