San Angelo, TX - Cash Benavidez hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth to give Texas A&M-Kingsville a 6-4 win over Angelo State Saturday from Foster Field.
The Javelinas (26-26, 25-25 LSC) found themselves in a 3-3 tie heading into the final frame of the do-or-die game. Two would get aboard thanks to an
Easton Hewitt Single and an intentional walk of
Travis Vlasek before Benavidez blasted one into deep left field to even up the series at one game apiece.
Only two Javelinas saw action on the mound, both of which were fantastic outings.
Tyler Schumann would get the start, tossing six complete innings with six strikeouts.
Garrett Nail was called in to finish the game, closing out the final three innings with three strikeouts while allowing just one run. Nail's three K's puts him seventh all-time for single-season strikeouts in TAMUK history
The Rams (37-15, 36-14 LSC) got the scoring started in the bottom of the sixth, scoring three runs off of three extra-base hits. The Javelinas however got a very important out after Angelo's third run scored, throwing out the would-be runner as he turned around on the base paths and was caught at second base. That out proved to be critical, as the Javelinas kept the damage to just three runs in the sixth
The Javelinas responded in kind in the seventh, plating three runs of their own to knot it up at three-all.
Landon Salinas and Hewitt each got on to kick off the inning, both of which were in scoring position.
Nathan Gamez then reached first base safely as Salinas slid into home to get the first run on the board.
Cade Minus then singled into right field to drive in the second run before a pair of wild pitches from Angelo tied the game at three runs.
Neither team got the critical run across the plate in the eighth, leading to the Benavidez blast that made it  a three-run lead for the Hogs. Nail surrendered a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth, but kept the damage at just that, keeping the Javelinas' chances alive in the Lone Star Conference Tournament.
The winner-take-all game against Angelo State is set for Monday at 1:00 pm. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the game on FloCollege or follow the action at JavelinaBSB on X.
