TYLER, Tx. — The Univerisity of La Verne baseball team rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth inning to cut No. 16 Texas-Tyler's lead to one run, but the Leopards couldn't score the equalizer, falling in their season opener 6-5.

The Leopards finished the game with nine hits, led by shortstop Jacob Benson who went 2-3 at the plate.

With the Leopards trailing 6-3 in the top of the ninth inning, Benson opened the inning with a double to right center and then advanced to third on a balk. Pinch hitter Mark Abbate then stepped in and hit a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in Benson. 

Designated Jakob Thomas scored later in the inning after Ryan Galan reached on an error to put La Verne within one of the Patriots, but that was as close as the Leopards would get.

Christopher Arcos went three innings in his start, giving up three hits and striking out three. Christopher Peres struck out six in two and two-thirds innings of relief taking the loss.

Cole Clinton earned the win for the Patriots.

The Leopards took a 2-1 lead in the fourth after Brandon Vogel brought in Lukas Granado, and Will Locken hit an RBI single to left to score Christopher Ligot.

Next Game: The Leopards (0-1) continue their three-series against the Patriots (1-0) tomorrow at 5 p.m. (PT), and conclude the series Friday at 12 p.m. (PT).