Ninth-inning rally lifts Tigers past Arkansas–Pine Bluff

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The Tigers of Texas Southern University evened their Southwestern Athletic Conference record Friday after winning 6-3 at Arkansas–Pine Bluff.
 
TSU’s Keanu Van Kuren and Mason Furlong knocked RBI singles in the top of the ninth inning as the Tigers rallied for three runs in the frame. Texas Southern scored five unanswered runs after falling behind 3-1 after four innings of play.
 
Aron Solis picked up his second complete-game victory for the Tigers (7-18, 5-5 SWAC West). The senior from League City, Texas, struck out nine batters while scattering 12 hits.
 
Nic Garza, Oscar Ponce, and Olajide Oloruntimilehin each knocked two base hits in the game for the Tigers. Oloruntimilehin knocked an RBI double in the top of the fourth inning to score Ponce from second base.
 
Christian Sanchez hit a solo home run for the Tigers in the fifth inning for his seventh homer of the season.
 
TSU tied the game in the top of the seventh when Ryan Diaz reached base on a two-out error, which allowed Victor Cruz to score from third base.
 
The Tigers put themselves in good position to take the lead in the top of the ninth when the first three batters reached base. Austin Garcia led off the inning with a walk, which was followed by Nic Garza and Ryan Diaz knocking bunt singles. After Pine Bluff got the next two outs, Van Kuren knocked an RBI single to left field to score Diaz which gave the Tigers their first lead of the game at 4-3.
 
TSU later plated another run on a wild pitch, and then Mason Furlong came in as a pinch hitter and knocked a single to right field that scored Van Kuren.
 
Tim Reynolds took the loss in relief for Pine Bluff. Starting pitcher Will Smith allowed only two earned runs in five and two-thirds innings for the Golden Lions (4-21, 1-9 SWAC).
 
The Tigers and Golden Lions resume their series Saturday at 2 p.m.