Newman's walk-off home run pushes Bobcats past Red Wolves

With one swing of the bat, senior first baseman Ryan Newman gave the Bobcats a 7-6 walk-off win in 10 innings over Arkansas State on Saturday. 

The three-run home-run blast secured Texas State a series sweep over the Red Wolves. It marked Newman’s second extra-inning walk-off homer during his career. His first came against Coastal Carolina on Mar. 17, 2017 

Texas State (27-13, 12-6 Sun Belt) took an early lead in the first inning. Sophomore shortstop Dalton Shuffield began the Bobcat threat with a bunt single followed by a single from junior second baseman Jaxon Williams. Junior designated hitter Will Hollis loaded the bases with a walk. Redshirt senior left fielder Travon Benton gave Texas State a 2-0 lead with an RBI single. 

But Arkansas State (22-19, 8-10) answered when junior second baseman Tyler Duncan smacked a two-run home run over the right field wall to even the score in the second. The Red Wolves gained the lead when sophomore right fielder Andrew Leggo hit a solo homer in the top of the fourth. 

The Bobcats, however, answered in the bottom frame with a sacrifice fly from senior catcher Felipe Rodriguez to tie the game, 3-3. 

Texas State regained the lead at 4-3 in the seventh when senior third baseman Jaylen Hubbard was able to cross the plate.

Again, Arkansas State answered when redshirt senior catcher Justin Felix tied the game with an RBI single in the top of the eighth. Neither team scored in the ninth and the game went to extras. 

The Red Wolves brought home two runs in the 10th to grab a 6-4 lead when Duncan ripped a two-run RBI single into left center. 

Texas State put two on in the bottom of the 10th when redshirt senior center fielder Skyler Valentine and Benton were hit by a pitch. Junior right fielder Chase Evans moved both runners into scoring position with a bunt. Newman ended the game on the first pitch he saw with his walk-off three-run homer to give the Bobcats the 7-6 win.

Texas State is now 4-1 in extra-inning games this year — Three of which have been walk-off victories at Bobcat Ballpark.  

Redshirt junior pitcher Brent Hebert secured the win after tallying the final two outs in the top of the 10th. Arkansas State junior pitcher Kollin Stone was handed the loss after giving up Newman’s walk-off homer. 

Despite earning a no-decision on the mound, Texas State senior pitcher Connor Reich threw seven innings of solid work with 10 strikeouts. He allowed four runs on seven hits. 

Evans and Newman tallied a team-high three hits. Newman brought home three RBIs, while Benton brought home two runs and Rodriguez scored one. 

Texas State returns to action to take on Texas on Tuesday at 6 p.m. inside Bobcat Ballpark.