HUNTSVILLE — Friday night's series opener turned into a pitchers' duel, but Sam Houston was able to break a tie game with a run in the sixth inning to topple Utah Valley 3-1 on Friday at Don Sanders Stadium.
The Bearkats improved to 23-16 on the season and 15-4 in Western Athletic Conference play to remain in first place. Sam Houston will try to seal the series victory in game two on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Easton Loyd put the Kats on top in the second inning when he ripped a solo home run to right field. The Wolverines were able to tie it in the top of the third.
Neither team could break through in the next two frames, but Sam Houston untied it in the sixth when
Walker Janek led off with a single and on a single by
Jake Tatom, who was thrown out at second base trying to turn the hit into a double. Loyd grounded out to the pitcher which allowed Janek to cross the plate with what would prove to be the game-winning run.
Coltin Atkinson was solid on the mound, scattering six hits over 6 1/3 innings with four strikeouts to improve to 6-2 on the season.
Chandler David tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings with three punchouts in relief to earn the save.
The Bearkats added an insurance run in the seventh.
Clayton Chadwick led off the frame with a double and moved to third when
Justin Wishkoski was safe at first on a sacrifice bunt attempt that resulted in a throwing error.
Joe Redfield brought Chadwick home when he reached on a fielder's choice.
