UT Dallas Splits Doubleheader at Oklahoma Christian to Clinch Opening Series
The UT Dallas Comets relied on discipline at the plate and a resilient bullpen to take two of three games from Oklahoma Christian, scoring 23 runs in the season-opening series.
EDMOND, Okla. — The University of Texas at Dallas baseball team relied on a high-octane offense and late-inning grit to come away with a series win over Oklahoma Christian on Monday.
The Comets split a doubleheader this afternoon at Dobson Baseball Field, dropping the first contest 9-8 before bouncing back for an 11-5 win in the finale.
UT Dallas (2-1) tallied 23 runs over the three-game stretch without recording a single home run, emphasizing a "small ball" approach. Here's how it all happened.
Game 1: Eagles Edge Comets in One-Run Thriller
In the first half of the twin bill, Oklahoma Christian used a five-run second inning to jump ahead of Comets starter Tobin Oler. Despite the early damage, Oler settled in to finish five innings, allowing five runs (two earned) on eight hits with one strikeout on 66 pitches.
The Comets' offense battled back, erasing the deficit with a three-run fifth inning to knot the score at 5-5. Chris Benavidez, Jake Amoroso, and Gavin Barker each turned in multi-hit performances to lead the charge.
The bullpen saw mixed results:
- Sam Webster: 1 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 SO (27 pitches)
- Christian Robb: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP (27 pitches)
- Baley Ray: 0.2 IP, 1 R, 1 H (9 pitches)
- Tag Pacot: 0.2 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 1 SO (21 pitches)
Dalin Privett earned the win for the Eagles, while Evan Ballast secured the save. Pacot was tagged with the loss as the Comets fell just short, 9-8.
Game 2: Discipline at the Plate Leads to Series Win
The Comets’ patience defined the series finale, as the lineup drew 10 walks to dismantle the Eagles' pitching staff. Trent McCown led the disciplined effort with three walks, while Benavidez added two.
Starter Seth Taylor went four innings, striking out five while allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits. Gavin Hickman provided an inning of relief, allowing one unearned run on three hits.
Luke Nielson, who earned the win with three scoreless innings. Nielson escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth to preserve the lead.
His final line included one hit, one walk, and three strikeouts on 44 pitches. Kasey Kling closed the door in the ninth with a scoreless frame.
Offensive Leaders:
- Jake Amoroso: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 runs (leads team with 6 hits)
- Nico Fernandez: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
- Korson Hastings: 2-for-5
The Comets finished with 11 runs on eight hits to secure the 11-5 win and the series 2-1.
Up Next
With 47 games remaining in the regular season, UT Dallas returns home to host West Texas A&M in a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at UTD Baseball Field.
Written by
