TYLER, Texas (February 1, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University fell to the No. 3 UT Tyler 5-2 on Sunday at Irwin Field in the final game of the season-opening series.

The Chaparrals managed nine hits, including a solo home run in the ninth inning, but the Patriots' three-run sixth inning proved decisive.

Lubbock Christian opened the game with a promising start as Kyle Lewis dropped a bunt single and stole second, only to be picked off shortly after. UT Tyler also went down quietly in their half as Karson Dunn struck out a batter and induced a pair of groundouts in his first start of the year.

In the fourth inning, UTT broke the deadlock with consecutive hits. Drew Schmidt's single followed by Colton Ketzner's double brought home the first run. Kyle Mason's single and Tanner Hornback's RBI single extended their lead to 2-0 after four innings. The Patriots extended their lead with four more runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Lubbock Christian got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning. Joe Mancinas doubled down the left field line and later scored on Dylan Marx's single through the right side, cutting the deficit to 5-1. The RBI was Marx's first of the season. 

In the ninth, Johny Gomez III provided a spark with a solo home run to center field, narrowing the gap. Ryan Gargett doubled to left, and after an Owen Alsup walk, Lewis singled to load the bases. Despite the rally, they were unable to bring additional runs home, concluding the game with a 5-2 loss to UTT.

Dunn pitched five innings, allowing a pair of earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts, throwing 68 pitches with 40 strikes. Griffin Binkley contributed an inning of relief, permitting one hit while striking out one batter over 16 pitches. Tate Thompson closed with a perfect inning, facing three batters without allowing a hit or walk, requiring just nine pitches.

GAME NOTES: 
- The Chaps finished the game without an error. Last season, they played 18 errorless games.
- Griffin Binkley became the first Chaparrals pitcher to appear twice this season, tossing a scoreless seventh with one strikeout. He has not allowed an earned run in his two appearances.
- Kyle Lewis had three hits out of the leadoff spot to lead the Chaps. Last season he had eight games with at least three hits.
- Johnny Gomez III hit his second home run in as many days. In 2025 he did not hit his second home run until the seventh game of the season.
- The Chaps put their leadoff batter on in three of the nine innings and scored in two of those opportunities.

NEXT UP: 
Lubbock Christian will open their home slate on at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 at the newly renovated Hays Field, starting a three-game set against Sul Ross.