LUBBOCK, Texas (February 21, 2016) – No.9 Angelo State avoided a three-game series sweep to No.10 Lubbock Christian University Sunday with a four-run fifth inning for a 6-3 win over the Chaparrals at Hays Field.

With the score tied 1-1 through four innings, the Rams put together a four-run fifth inning, with all four runs coming with two outs. Paxton DeLaGarza and Jay Gonzales followed a Sam Kohler single with back-to-back doubles as part of a string of four straight hits with two outs to give the Rams a 5-1 lead.

LCU tried to rally back, responding with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning (Jesse Pintado scoring on an error) and seventh inning (Brandon Rix single) to cut the deficit to 5-3, but their rallies were plagued by double plays. The Chaps hit into four double plays, with one coming with two on base in the fifth inning and another in the seventh inning with the bases loaded, as they tried to take advantage of three consecutive walks issued.

ASU was able to get out of the jam in the seventh and were able to counter with an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning. The Rams run in the eighth was off a two-out RBI by Tyler Coolbaugh.

Brandon Rix had a pair of runs-batted-in, tallying all LCU’s RBI in the game. He was the lone Chap with a pair of hits (2-for-4), as LCU was held to six hits. They did put six batters aboard on walks, one via hit-by-pitch and forced the Rams into four errors.

Rams pitcher Kellen Rholl made his first start of the season and went 3.1 innings before handing the ball off to Joey Wise, who received the win going three hitless innings and allowing a pair of runs (one earned). Graylon Brown pitched the final 2.2 innings and recorded his second save. Eight different Rams had hits, with Jay Gonzales leading the team with a 3-for-5 performance with a pair of RBI.

Albert Aveytia made the start on the bump for LCU and went five innings allowing five runs off nine hits. He fell to 1-1 with the loss. Ricky Contreras and Brent Bezio combined to allow one run over the final four innings in relief.

The loss was LCU’s first of the season and their season-opening win streak ends at nine (9-1). ASU improved to 6-3 with the win. LCU will head on the road for the first time Friday, heading to Pueblo, Colo. to face Colorado State – Pueblo.

Courtesy: LCU Sports Information Department