Tigers split baseball doubleheader at Grambling State

GRAMBLING, La. – The Tigers of Texas Southern University claimed their first Southwestern Athletic Conference win of 2019 during a doubleheader split Saturday at Grambling State.
 
TSU won the opener 7-3, while Grambling State took the second game by a score of 6-2.
 
With the doubleheader split, Texas Southern (2-9) moved its record to 1-2 in the SWAC’s West Division.
 
The visiting Tigers claimed the opener with a four-run ninth inning that broke a 3-3 tie. Nic Garza’s one-out double to score Tyson Thompson and Ryan Diaz from third base and second base provided TSU with the game-winning runs.
 
TSU would add two more runs in the ninth thanks to RBIs from Keanu Van Kuren and Jordan Hollins.
 
Mason Furlong started and pitched six strong innings for Texas Southern, scattering six hits and striking out two batters while allowing three runs. Alex Carrillo finished the game with three hitless innings and striking out two Grambling batters to get the win.
 
Hollins, Christian Sanchez, and Victor Cruz knocked two hits apiece for the visiting Tigers in the opener. Cruz knocked a two-run double in the top of the fifth inning to open the scoring.
 
In the second game of the afternoon, Grambling State took a lead it would not relinquish in the bottom of the first inning when Richard Ortiz knocked a three-run home run.
 
Olajide Oloruntimilehin provided runs for Texas Southern in game two. He knocked a solo home run in the fourth inning; in the second inning, he reached base on an error, stole second and then came home on two additional errors on the same play as the stolen base.
 
Van Kuren had two base hits for TSU in the second game.
 
The Tigers return to action Wednesday when they visit Tulane. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.