SEATTLE — Despite holding a 9-5 advantage in the hit column, the Seattle U baseball (9-14, 3-6 WAC) was dealt a tough loss on Friday, as Western Athletic Conference-newcomer Tarleton (3-21, 3-10 WAC) as it rallied late for a 4-2 decision in the series opener.
The Texans opened the scoring as it scratched a run across in the first thanks in part to a Redhawk error. The deficit however was short-lived as Justin Mazzone tied the game at one, with a solo shot to lead-off the second. It was Mazzone's third homer of the season and 12th of his career, which moved him into a tie with Sean Sutton for fifth on the program's current career home run list.
Still tied in the fifth, Julian Kodama drove in Austin Lively with RBI triple, giving Seattle U a 2-1 lead. It was Kodama's first career triple.
Then in the eighth, Tarleton began its rally with a RBI double, after the tying run for the reached base on a hit by pitch. The Texans then scored twice more in the ninth for the final tally.
On the mound, Seattle U starter Morgan White tossed six innings allowing one run on two hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Redhawk reliever Peter Chronowski (1-2) meanwhile was charged with the loss as he surrendered three runs, one earned, on three hits in thee innings of work.
At the plate, Kodama led the way as he went 3-for-4. Kyle Sherick also had a multi-hit game as he was 2-for-4. Mazzone, Gavin Rork, Shane Jamison and Chase Wells each finished with a hit.
The Redhawks will resume the series with Tarleton tomorrow in a scheduled doubleheader. First pitch for game one is slated at 12 pm.