TYLER, Texas (January 30, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University fell to No. 3 UT Tyler (1-0) 9-4 on Friday in the 2026 season-opener at Irwin Field in Tyler, Texas. 

The Chaparrals took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but UTT responded with a four-run third and added four more in the sixth to secure the victory. Carlos Mauldin contributed to the Chaps' offensive efforts with a home run, but the Patriots capitalized on Lubbock Christian's four errors to maintain control.

The game began with the Chaparrals taking an early lead in the first inning on Mauldin's two-out, two-run blast over the left field wall, bringing Owen Alsup home after he reached on a throwing error.

Heading to the mound for the first time in an LCU uniform already with a lead, Caden Cline started off strong. He sat down the Patriots in order in the first and pitched a scoreless second.  In the third inning, UTT responded with a four-run surge. Bryce Jewell started the frame with a solo home run, followed by a two-RBI double that capped the scoring, putting UTT up 4-2 after three innings.

Lubbock Christian tied the game back up in the fifth inning. Jorge De Los Santos scored on a hit-by-pitch RBI by Johnny Gomez III, and Mauldin crossed the plate on a wild pitch, leveling the game at 4-4. The Chaps had a chance to take the lead with the bases loaded and one out, but a double play ended the threat.  

The Patriots took control in the sixth inning, scoring four runs to reclaim the lead at 8-4. UTT added one more run in the seventh for the final score of 9-4.

Cline pitched four innings with four  earned runs on four hits, including a home run, while striking out three batters and walking one. Aaron Rubio followed with 1.2 innings, allowing four earned runs on two hits and two walks, suffering the loss.

GAME NOTES:
- The Chaps fall to 34-22-1 all-time in season-openers, including 15-8 in the 23 seasons under head coach Nathan Blackwood
- Right-handed pitcher Anthony Graziano made his first collegiate appearance, pitching a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts
- Outfielder Freddie Nolen led the Chaps with three hits. Last season, 10 different Chaps had at least one three-hit game, led by Brevin McCool's 11
- The Chaps' four errors matched their 2025 season high, which they did three times. The last time they had more than four errors in a game was March 25, 2025
- The Chaparrals put their leadoff batter on just once in nine chances, while the Patriots were 5-for-8 in leadoff chances

NEXT UP: 
The Chaps will try and bounce back against the Patriots at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Irwin Field.