Eagles steal series from nationally ranked opponent

DJ Cadden, Sports Editor

The Eagles won their most notable series of the season over the weekend, taking down No. 10 Texas State on the road.

GS advanced to 2-0 in extra inning games after they won Friday’s game, 7-4, in 11 innings. The Eagles trailed by three runs, but a Christian Avant solo home run in the ninth inning tied the game and forced extra innings.

Sam Blancato got the scoring started in extra innings with a sacrifice bunt, but the Bobcats scored a run of their own in the 10th inning. However, the Eagles scored three runs in the 11th inning to escape with a 7-4 victory.

In addition to his solo shot, Avant also drew two walks and accounted for another Eagle run. Austin Thompson also blasted a home run to contribute to the Eagles’ winning effort. Ben Johnson advanced to 3-2 on the season with a win.

Saturday’s game was another thriller, with the Eagles clinching the series with a 13-11 victory.

Three Bobcat home runs put the Eagles in a quick 6-1 hole, but a six-run fifth inning put GS right back on top.

Texas State retook the lead with four runs on two home runs and hit in the sixth inning, but the Eagles capitalized with an RBI followed by a Kyler Hultgren grand slam to put the game away.

Nine different Eagles recorded at least one hit, but Hultgren was undoubtedly the star with a hit, a grand slam and a walk on the day. On the mound, Jake Martin earned his first win of the season after tossing just a third of an inning.

On Sunday, the Eagles once again dug themselves out of a deep hole. After falling behind by four runs, GS scored five runs in the fourth inning to take the lead.

The teams went back and forth throughout the entire game before the Eagles took a 9-8 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs in the last half inning, Jose Gonzalez hit a walk-off double and helped the Bobcats avoid a sweep.

Blancato and Avant once again played huge roles offensively, while Jason Swan led the way with three hits. Johnson’s record fell back to 3-3 on the mound for the season.

Following the series, the Eagles now sit at 20-11 (8-4 SBC) on the season.

GS will be back in action on Tuesday, when they travel to take on the Presbyterian Blue Hose. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. and the game will not be televised.