TSU Baseball drops 17-4 decision to UAPB

HOUSTON- The Texas Southern University Tigers baseball team lost 17-4 to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions on Saturday afternoon at MacGregor Park. 
 
Things looked good for the Tigers through the first two innings.  They held the Golden Lions scoreless in the first two frames and plated two runners of their own in that time span.
 
The third inning changed the complexion of the game completely.  UAPB's offense exploded in the third frame, scoring six runs on five hits, including a deep home run by left fielder, Jordan Knox.  TSU scored a run of its own in the bottom half of the inning to cut the deficit to 6-3. 
 
The Tigers would add another run in the fifth, cutting the lead to just two runs.  In the sixth inning, the Golden Lions' bats came back to life, scoring six runners to push the lead to 12-4.  The scoring barrage was highlighted by homeruns by designated hitter, Joshua Williams, and catcher, Jacob Columbo.
 
The seventh inning was more of the same as UAPB tacked on five more runs to extend its lead to 17-4 to put the game out of reach.  The game concluded after the seventh due to the 10-run rule. 
   
Seth Oliver (0-3) took the loss for the Tigers.  The sophomore right-hander struggled to consistently throw strikes, walking four batters.  Oliver gave up six runs on eight hits and struck out four.
 
TSU outfielder, Olajide Oloruntimilehin, had a big game at the plate.  The freshman went 2-4, including a double and a homerun, and chipped in 2 RBIs.  Tiger catcher, Blake Hicks, contributed an RBI, as well. 
 
The loss moves TSU to 5-9 overall and 2-3 in conference play.  The win was the Golden Lions first of the season as they improve to 1-12. 
 
The Tigers will look to take the rubber match and the series win, Sunday, at MacGregor Park.  First pitch is set for 1:00 pm.