PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Texas Southern jumped out to a seven‑run lead and survived a late comeback attempt to earn an 11–10 win over Arkansas‑Pine Bluff on Sunday afternoon, following a rain delay that postponed the game from Saturday in a SWAC series matchup at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex.
The Tigers struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of aggressive baserunning when Anthony Ruiz stole home to give Texas Southern a 1–0 lead. The momentum carried into the third, where the Tigers erupted for six runs to open a commanding 7–0 advantage.
Christopher Chavez, Miguel Morales and Anthony Ruiz all delivered RBI hits during the decisive third inning, as Texas Southern sent nine batters to the plate. Morales drove in two runs with a single, while Chavez and Ruiz each added run‑scoring hits to cap the outburst.
Arkansas‑Pine Bluff answered with three runs in the bottom of the third, but Texas Southern continued to add on. Evan Joubert knocked in a run in the sixth, and Chavez came through again in the seventh with a two‑run single to push the Tigers' lead to 9–3.
Texas Southern added insurance runs in the eighth, including an unearned run following an error, to take a 10–3 advantage heading into the final frame.
The Golden Lions mounted a dramatic comeback attempt in the ninth inning, scoring seven runs highlighted by a solo home run from Zyon Hamilton and a two‑run single by Konner Giddley. However, the Tigers were able to record the final out and secure the win.
Chavez led the Texas Southern offense, finishing 3‑for‑4 with three RBIs. Ruiz went 3‑for‑6 with an RBI and a run scored, while Morales added two RBIs. Zachari Pace and Byron Robinson each crossed the plate twice.
Kevin Braziel earned the win on the mound for Texas Southern, tossing 6.1 innings in relief and striking out five. The Tigers' pitching staff limited Arkansas‑Pine Bluff to five hits through the first eight innings.
