By Ben Everett | Sports Writer
Baylor baseball took down Sam Houston State 4-2 in 12 innings Tuesday night in Huntsville behind a game-winning RBI from freshman right fielder Davion Downey.
The Bears (15-16) battled back and forth with the Bearkats (23-9) before pulling away in extra innings.
Freshman pitcher Tyler Thomas made his sixth start of the season and pitched three scoreless innings to start the game.
In the top of the fourth inning, sophomore first baseman Andy Thomas reached first on a single, and a double by sophomore catcher Shea Langeliers put Thomas in scoring position. Downey launched a sacrifice fly to bring Thomas home and put the Bears up 1-0.
Thomas continued his strong start, pitching a scoreless fourth inning before being replaced by senior reliever Joe Heineman in the bottom of the fifth with one on base.
Heineman struggled to finish the inning, giving up two hits that resulted in a two runs for the Bearkats as Baylor fell behind 2-1.
In the top of the eighth, senior outfielder Levi Gilcrease advanced to second on a single and a wild pitch, and Thomas delivered a clutch RBI single to bring Gilcrease home and tie the game at 2-2.
Neither team scored in the ninth inning to send the game into extra innings.
In the twelfth inning, the Bearkats walked sophomore third baseman Davis Wendzel and Langeliers to set up Downey’s go-ahead RBI single. The Bears added another run on an error after a hit by junior outfielder Cole Haring to take the 4-2 win.
Senior closer Troy Montemayor pitched two scoreless innings, scattering a hit and a walk to pick up the win.
Baylor looks to keep the momentum going as they face Memphis in a weekend series starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Memphis, Tenn.
