ABILENE – The Wildcats (18-14, 3-7 WAC) prevailed over the Utah Tech Trailblazers (15-17, 1-6 WAC) with a 3-2 victory at Bullock Brothers Ballpark. The game was tight, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting from both sides.
ACU initiated the scoring in the bottom of the second. After Louis Bussard drew a walk, Benjamin Greer delivered a powerful home run to right field, driving in two runs and providing the Wildcats with an early 2-0 lead.
Utah Tech struggled to generate offense against starting pitcher, Dominick Reid, who held them scoreless through the first six innings. However, the Trailblazers mounted a comeback in the top of the seventh.
Andrew Pyle and Aaron Perez drew walks, and Ethan Royal's double down the right-field line brought in a run. Shortly after, Hunter Katschke singled through the right side, scoring another run and leveling the score at 2-2.
ACU swiftly responded in the bottom of the seventh. Zandt Payne returned for his first start in three weeks, launching a solo home run, reclaiming the lead for the Wildcats and ultimately securing the game-winning run.
The Wildcats' pitching staff was instrumental in the victory. Reid delivered a strong performance, and Caden Greanead earned the win. Henry Cone closed out the game, securing the save.
ACU, now ahead in the series, will take on Utah Tech for game two on Saturday. Saturday's game marks the official grand opening of the new stadium, and there are quite the activities planned. The first 1,000 fans of the game will receive a commemorative poster. As well as reserved ticket holders, they will receive a limited-edition ACU Baseball T-shirt.
There will be a special ceremony before the first pitch, which is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT, so make sure to secure your tickets for this historic event for ACU Baseball.
