CARY, NC — The Angelo State Rams saw their season end on Saturday, June 8, in the National Championship Game at the Division II College World Series. Despite holding onto a lead for much of the contest, Tampa proved too much for the Rams and defeated Angelo State 8-3.
The Rams jumped out to an early lead when an errant throw allowed Jacob Guerrero to score in the bottom of the 1st inning. Angelo State would extend that lead in the 2nd inning to 2-0 with a sacrifice fly by Tayten Tredaway.
Both teams scored in the fourth inning, with Tampa hitting an RBI single and ASU responding with a sac RBI by Blake Wilhoite.
Tampa seized control in the sixth inning, scoring six runs, including a two-RBI home run, to take a 7-3 lead.
ASU's starting pitcher, Caleb Heuertz, pitched five innings, allowing five runs on six hits and striking out six batters. The Rams had an opportunity to narrow the gap in the bottom of the sixth when they loaded the bases with two outs, but a pop-out ended the inning scoreless.
Angelo State falls to Tampa in the National Championship Game
(Credit: twitter.com/angelostateathletics)
Relief pitcher Johnny Stacy threw four innings, giving up three runs on five hits and striking out one batter. Tampa added another run in the top of the ninth with a solo home run to left field.
ASU's Christian Garnette (OF), Kamden Kelton (3B), and Tripp Clark (C) were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Rams finished their season as national runners-up with a 44-21 overall record. The Rams finish 2024 as the first team since 2007 to reach back-to-back NCAA Division II title games.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: