SAN MARCOS, Texas -- ULM was able to get the tying run to third base in the top of the ninth inning, but the Warhawks were able to tie the contest as Texas State claimed a 4-3 win Friday night at Bobcat Ballpark.
In the ninth, ULM's (6-5, 0-1) Justin Crouch struck out swinging, but was able to reach first base thanks to a passed ball by Bobcat catcher Tanner Hill. Crouch was replaced by pinch runner Robbie Podorsky and Podorsky later reached third thanks to a stolen base and a throwing error by Hill.
Podorsky was left stranded at third as the Warhawks were unable to get the redshirt-freshman home as the Warhawks dropped the Sun Belt opener to Texas State.
ULM's Alex Hermeling was tagged with the loss and fell to 2-2 after allowing four earned runs on eight hits and four walks. During his six-plus innings of work, he tossed 111 pitches and struck out five batters.
Texas State (4-8-1, 1-0) starter Lucas Humpel logged 8.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and two walks with 10 strikeouts. Cory Geisler earned his second save after recording the final out of the contest.
The Bobcats scored the game's first run in the home half of the first to take an early 1-0 lead.
The Warhawks responded with a single run of their own in the top of the second inning. Spencer Hemphill delivered a RBI single that allowed Justin Stawychny to score and tie the game at 1-1.
After Texas State took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the second, the Warhawks responded with a two-run frame of their own in the top of the third. Kodie Tidwell delivered a RBI double down the right field line (Cody Stone scored) to bring ULM with in one (3-2). Nathan Pugh tied the game at three-all with a RBI single through the left side that allowed Tidwell to score.
After trading zeros in the fourth, fifth and sixth, the Bobcats broke the tie as they scored the seventh and final run of the game on a RBI single with two outs in the seventh.
Tidwell tallied two hits, one run and one RBI to lead the Warhawks. Stawychny added two hits and one run, while Hemphill had two hits and one RBI.
ULM and Texas State will battle in a doubleheader tomorrow afternoon. Game one of the twin bill will start at 1 p.m. with the series finale slated for approximately 45 minutes after.
For updates throughout the season on the baseball squad, be sure to follow the team on Twitter @ULM_BSB.
