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FORT WORTH – The Angelo State baseball team's rally fell short in game two of a non-conference doubleheader against No. 22 Southern Arkansas as the Rams dropped an 11-9 contest after being shutout 12-0 in game one. The pair of losses mark the first time this season Angelo State was swept in a series.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, Angelo State (17-12) was quick to even the score at two as the Rams capitalized on an error by Southern Arkansas (17-7) plating two unearned runs in the second inning. The Muleriders regained the lead in the bottom of the frame when Logan Williams belted a three-run homer to leftfield.

The Muleriders continued to build on their lead as they notched a pair of runs in the third. However, the Rams scored three of their own as Joseph Leftridge led off the inning with a lead-off triple. Garrett Harris drove him in on a single to left and Zak Leonhardt drilled a two-run blast to left-center to pull the Rams within two (7-5).

With the game within reach for Angelo State, Southern Arkansas scored three more runs in the fourth to extend its lead to five once again (10-5). The Rams, however, would not give up. With one out, Tate Allison was hit by a pitch and stole second. Leftridge laced a single back up the middle driving in Allison. After advancing to second on the throw to the plate in the attempt to get Allison, Leftridge and Harris, who reached base after getting beaned, both advanced on a wild pitch. Leonhardt drew a walk to load the bases with just one out and Leftridge scored on Brent Denny's grounder to third. Marcellous Biggins loaded the bases once again as he was hit by a pitch. With two outs, Toby Semler roped an RBI single to rightfield scoring Harris and Leonhardt. The Rams batted around in the fifth plating four runs on two hits to come within one of the Muleriders (10-9).

Despite retiring Southern Arkansas in order in the bottom half the inning, the Rams were unable to muster any more runs. The Muleriders added an insurance run in the sixth and took the game by a final of 11-9.

Matt Rechkemmer, who came on in the second inning for James Conlee, absorbed the loss falling to 3-2 on the year. Rechkemmer pitched 1.1 innings, allowing five runs, all earned, on as many hits with one strikeout. Southern Arkansas' Janson Carr improved to 2-0 as he collected the win after pitching 3.0 innings and allowing five runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits and fanning two.

Game one was all Southern Arkansas as the Muleriders limited the Rams to just three hits in the ballgame. Starting pitcher Doug Shields (1-0) collected his first win of the season after tossing 5.0 shutout innings and allowing just two hits while striking out five.

Rams starter Chase Barrera suffered the loss after pitching 1.1 innings and allowing four runs, three earned, on two hits. The Angelo State bullpen struggled as a combined five pitchers allowed eight runs, one earned, on 10 hits.

The Muleriders did the most damage in the fourth after a costly error by the ASU defense, which should have ended the inning, led to seven unearned runs in the frame.

The Rams return home Friday, March 25, when they host Lone Star Conference foe Tarleton State at Foster Field. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. The game is part of the True Blue Celebration and “Pack the Park” promotion in which baseball cards will be given out to the first 200 fans. The game, as well as the doubleheader against the Texans on Saturday, March 26, beginning at 3 p.m., will be broadcast live on KKSA 1260 by Jeremy Bryant. Live stats, live streaming and live audio will be available of AngeloSports.com

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