ABILENE – Grayson Tatrow launched a go-ahead three-run home run in the seventh inning to change the trajectory of a pivotal rubber match for the ACU baseball team against Utah Tech. The homer not only guided the Wildcats (29-17, 13-11 WAC) to a 4-2 win over the Trailblazers (12-34, 7-17 WAC), but also set a new Division I program record for the most in a single season. ACU trailed 2-1 in a low-scoring game in the seventh, but that swing gave the 'Cats its first series win since March 26.
Blake Anderson pitched the middle three innings to earn the win and
Zach Smith closed it out in the ninth to win the game.
How It Happened
- After a scoreless first two frames, Utah Tech jumped in front in the third with a solo home run from Hank Dodson off ACU starter
Austin Glaze.
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Maddox Miesse tied the game in the bottom of the inning with a sacrifice fly to center field. ACU finally took advantage with a runner on base, despite leaving six on through three.
- Utah Tech responded in the top of the fourth with a run-scoring single from Ethan He to go back in front, 2-1.
- The game changed in the bottom of the seventh.
Grayson Tatrow, ACU's all-time leader in home runs, stepped up with one out and a pair of runners on base, and sent a tailing ball down the left field line that just stayed fair and left the ballpark. The Wildcats took the lead, 4-2, with two innings to play.
- Smith came in to close it out on the mound in the ninth to secure the series win.
Stat Pack
- Tatrow's lone hit of the day was his 18th home run of the season, and his three RBI were a game-best.
- Britt led the 'Cats with a pair of hits, while
Garrett Williams and
Miller Ladusau also had a base knock.
- Glaze went 4.1 innings in the start, allowing two runs on three hits with three strikeouts.
- Anderson got the win (5-4), going 3.2 innings out of the bullpen, allowing no runs on one hit with three strikeouts.
- Smith earned his sixth save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
Beyond the Box Score
- Tatrow's 18 blasts break his own D1 program record from last season (17). He has six homers in his last six games (two games with two HR).
- Anderson's 3.2 innings are a new career-high, and his five wins lead the team.
- Smith did not have a save in his entire six-year career, and now has six this season.
On Deck
- The Wildcats are off to Texas Tech on Tuesday for a pair of matchups. The teams will resume the originally scheduled game from April 25 at 4 p.m., starting in the bottom of the fourth inning, and will follow with a 6:30 p.m. start for game two.
#ATO | #GoWildcats
