March 14, 2008

The University of Texas-Pan American baseball program suffered a 8-16 setback against the Saluki of Southern Illinois today (Mar. 15) at Nelson Wolff Stadium in San Antonio, Texas.

The Broncs had a rough start giving up six runs in the bottom of the third. Starting pitcher A.J. Franco was to only pitch 2.1 innings with Corpus Christi native David De Leon coming in relief for Franco.

The Broncs would answer back in the top of the fourth with a three-run homerun hit by catcher Jordan Rutenbar who would bring in centerfielder Bonham Hough and third-baseman Ryan Vest.

Abraham Garcia would score as well with bases loaded on a walk by Roly Gonzalez.

The Broncs would continue the run in the top of the fifth with a homerun hit by Abraham Garcia bringing in Billy Donaho and Bonham Hough tying the score at seven.

The Saluki wouldn't let the score be even for long. Tyler Choate would then score on a double down the leftfield line making the Saluki one up on the Broncs.

The bottom of the sixth would be a bad inning for the Broncs with Philip Rodriguez giving up five runs. Chris Murphy would score with Mark Kelly reaching on a fielding error by second baseman Joey Mendoza.

Four more runs would follow for the Saluki with Mark Kelly, Adam Hills, Aaron Roberts and Tyler Bullock all scoring off of Rodriguez making the score 8-13.

The Broncs would not be able to come back from the five runs scored in the bottom of the sixth. Southern Illinois would score three more times to make the final score 8-16.

David De Leon would gain the loss for the Broncs making him 0-1.

Jordan Rutenbar, Billy Donaho and Abraham Garica would each finish the contest with four at-bats a piece for the Broncs. To add to his four at-bats, Rutenbar would have one run, three hits and three runs-batted-in. Garcia would also finish with two runs, one hit and three runs-batted-in to add to his four at-bats as well.

Owen Mackedon would finish on top for Southern Illinois with five at-bats, one run, four hits and four runs-batted-in.

The Broncs will be back in action on Saturday (Mar. 15) against the University at Buffalo (4-9) at Nelson Wolff Stadium in San Antonio, Texas with first pitch slated for 7:00 p.m.

UTPA Sports Information