SAN ANGELO, Texas (May 20, 2021) – Lubbock Christian University will have to come back through the loser's bracket if they want to capture the Lone Star Conference Tournament Championship after suffering a 15-3 loss to host Angelo State Thursday night at Foster Field.
 
The game pitted Chap left-hander Armando Valle against Ram starter and newly named Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Year Trent Baker. LCU got a run off Baker early, thanks to a George Mendazona solo home run in the first inning, but ASU got the run back and more, scoring three off Valle in the bottom half of the opening frame.
 
Another solo shot for the Chaps came in the top of the second, this time off the bat of Nolan Machibroda, who drilled the ball into the scoreboard in right center. The Rams loaded the bases in the bottom of the second, and Valle walked in a run before escaping the jam.
 
Baker seemed to settle in on the mound in the third inning, finally putting up a scoreless frame in the third. Valle matched him in that frame, but the Rams broke the game open in the fourth, plating five runs and jumping out to a 9-2 lead.
 
LCU's third and final run came in the top of the fifth and was once again via the long ball. This time it was Eduardo Acosta who cleared the wall in left field, driving himself in.
 
Angelo State continued to add to their lead, even after Valle was removed for the game for Shandon Herrera. The Rams scored one in the fifth, two in the sixth, and two in the seventh.
 
In the eighth, freshman Ivan Castro came in, making his sixth appearance of the season. He allowed one run as well, for the final score of 15-3.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
63 | With the three solo shots, Lubbock Christian now has 63 home runs in their 44 games this season. In their last full season of play (2019), the Chaps hit 66 in 52 games
17 | The 17 hits allowed by LCU were their most in a single game, surpassing the 16 they gave up to West Texas A&M on April 2
278 | With six strikeouts in his seven innings pitched, ASU starting pitcher Trent Baker now has 278 strikeouts for his career, giving him the Lone Star Conference record
0-6 | Scoring all their runs on solo home runs, Lubbock Christian went 0-6 in chances with runners in scoring position
13 | Despite the 15 runs on 17 hits, Angelo State still stranded 13 runners on base in the game
 
NEXT UP
Dropping to the loser's bracket, Lubbock Christian will now take on St. Edward's at noon Friday at Foster Field.