BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University baseball led or was tied for 10 innings before dropping a heartbreaking three-spot in the top of the 11th to fall 6-3 to Texas State on Friday night at Smith Stadium.
The Mountaineers (10-12, 1-3 Sun Belt) allowed 17 hits, but limited the Bobcats (14-8, 3-1 Sun Belt) to just three runs until the end while managing 11 hits of their own – the fifth time in seven games that App State had reached double-digit hits.
Appalachian got on the board first in the bottom of the second when Brian Bauk sent a shot down the left field line to drive home Chandler Seagle after he doubled to right field.
The Bobcats responded in the third, putting up one to tie, one of two ties on the night. Two scoreless innings later, the Mountaineers put up one on a Conner Leonard solo home run jack to left center, his second of the season.
The Diamond Apps extended their lead after Matt Vernon singled before being able to make it to second on a throwing error by the third baseman, setting up an RBI for Colin Schmid as he doubled down the right field line.
Texas State forced extra innings in the top of the ninth inning by scoring two runs to tie up the game at three apiece. Both teams went scoreless until the top of the 11th when the Bobcats secured the win.
On the mound to start for Appalachian was Travis Holden. Holden went 6.2 innings, only allowing one run and two walks in 30 batters faced. Reed Howell came in to relieve Holden and went 2.1 innings, allowing one unearned before Matt Brill went 1.2, having three runs cross the plate and striking out two.
Tristan Helms was the final relief pitcher out of the bullpen, seeing just one batter and striking him out.
The Mountaineers conclude their three-game home series on Saturday, March 24 as part of a doubleheader due to inclement weather on Sunday. The first game on Saturday begins at 2 p.m., which will be followed by the final game 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
