Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 HOUSTON, Texas - The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions took game one in a three-game series against conference rival Texas Southern University at MacGregor Park in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Before the weekend was over, TSU recovered and took games two and three from UAPB. Here's how it all played out:


Game 1-UAPB 12, Texas Southern 10


The Golden Lions came out the gate on fire and produced a total of five runs in the opening inning as Jacob Columbo generated a two-RBI-single to left field that brought home Sergio Esparza and Ryan Mallison. Moments later, JP Soriano hit a 3-run home run that scored both Columbo and Nick Kreutzer. After Texas Southern scored one run in the bottom of the first, UAPB matched that run with a run of its own in the top of the second as Columbo took a base on balls with the bases loaded, scoring Cutter McDonald. In the bottom of the third inning, UAPB pitcher Tim Reynolds surrendered a home run which brought the score to 6-2 in favor of the Golden Lions. 

In the fourth inning, Soriano hit yet another 3-run shot to left field that allowed Ricardo Sanchez and Columbo to touch home plate. UAPB also added runs in the fifth and sixth inning as Esparza produced a sacrifice fly that brought in McDonald. In the sixth, Soriano hit his third home run of the ball game.

UAPB added an insurance run in the top of the eighth when Columbo homered to left field, bringing the score to 12-2 in favor of UAPB. However, Texas Southern stormed back and scored a total of eight runs in the bottom of the eighth, cutting UAPB's lead to just two runs. 

After the Golden Lions were held scoreless in the top of the ninth, Texas Southern could not score any more runs as UAPB held on for the thrilling 12-10 victory. Reynolds (1-0) picked up his first victory of the season as he struck out four batters and gave up just two earned runs to go along with six hits in in 5.2 innings pitched. UAPB pitcher Nathan Sawrie came in for relief and a total of eight runs in two innings before Tyrus Lopez came in and got the save.

UAPB's Soriano went 4-for-5 from the plate and finished with seven RBI while teammate Kreutzer went 2-for-3 and McDonald hit 2-for-4.

As a team UAPB produced 12 hits and gave up 15 hits to its opponent.


Game 2-Texas Southern 10, UAPB 0


UAPB's bats became ice cold as Texas Southern poured in two runs in the opening inning as well as five more runs in the second inning on its way to a 10-0 victory over the Golden Lions. UAPB used a total of four pitchers in the loss including Peyton Burks, Daulton Horton, Austin Softley and Cody Holmes. Burks (0-3) produced one strikeout and was credited with the loss, giving up five earned runs in 1.2 innings of work before being replaced by Horton, who pitched for 1.1 innings and faced one batter in the fourth before being replaced by Softley. After two innings of work, Holmes replaced Softley at the mound and finished the game.

SWAC Pitcher of the Week Aaron Solis was credited with the win for the Tigers as he struck out six Golden Lions batters.

As a team UAPB produced seven hits and finished with four errors while its opponent had 11 hits and one error.


Game 3-Texas Southern 9, UAPB 2


The Golden Lions got behind early and gave up six runs in the first three innings, including four in the first inning. UAPB recorded two runs in the seventh inning as Cutter McDonald hit a two-run shot to center field that scored Nick Kreutzer, but that was all the Golden Lions managed as it fell 9-2 in the rubber match. Thomas Sanchez got the loss and gave up five runs (five unearned) in 1.2 innings of work. Tyrus Lopez came in relief of Sanchez after he was tossed and produced four strikeouts in 6.1 innings, giving up four runs (two unearned) in the loss.

As a team the Golden Lions just four hits on the afternoon and gave up 16 hits to the Tigers.


UAPB (7-12, 4-5 SWAC) returns to action on Wednesday, March 28 as it travels to Conway to face the University of Central Arkansas in non-conference action. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Bear Stadium.