Stephen F. Austin secured an 8-5 victory over Houston Christian on March 27 in the opening game of their Southland Conference baseball series at Pilgrim’s Park.
The win improved Stephen F. Austin’s conference record to 6-4, while Houston Christian fell to 4-6. The result was highlighted by Rodric Black’s go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning and a strong five-inning relief performance from Jack James.
Black’s homer, his first of the season and the team’s eighth at Pilgrim’s Park this year, put Stephen F. Austin ahead for good at 6-5. James allowed only four hits, walked two batters, struck out four, and benefitted from key double plays in both his first inning of relief and again in the eighth inning. In the ninth, he held off a late rally as Houston Christian brought the tying run to the plate.
Starter Cody Templeton pitched four innings for Stephen F. Austin, striking out three while allowing seven hits and three walks with three earned runs out of five total runs surrendered. The pivotal sixth inning began with a triple by Juan Cantua and included a Julian Swift RBI single along with a sacrifice fly from Mark Henning.
Other notable performances included Jhett Creel’s multi-hit game and Cermodrick Bland’s sacrifice fly that helped build an early lead for Stephen F. Austin. Cantua extended his hitting streak to eight games and has now reached base safely in sixteen consecutive contests.
Game two between Stephen F. Austin and Houston Christian is scheduled for Saturday evening.
