SAN ANGELO, TX – Angelo State dropped the first game of their three game series with the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals tonight by a score of 6-2. The Chaparrals would place ascending runs on the board in the second, third, and fourth innings, as one, two, and three runs respectively. Although the Chaps would fail to score again in the game, six runs would be enough to hold the Rams at bay.

Nicholas Novak would lead off for the Rams in the bottom of the third inning and reach first base by the way of a well-placed drag bunt. Novak would then steal second, and advance to third base on a wild pitch. Parker Bramlett would then single to left field to complete Novak's trip around the bases and bring the Rams within two runs.

ASU would strike for the second time in the bottom of the ninth to try and spark a comeback effort down 6-1.  Novak once again led off for the Rams, doubling to left field. He would advance to third on a Bramlett ground ball and ultimately cross home by another ground ball hit by Jordan Williams this time.

The Rams were able to reach base at a decent clip and move themselves over by stealing extra bags quite often, but had problems bringing in runners as hitters. ASU stole eight bases on the night, and stranded nine runners aboard.

Andrew Croucher had himself a portfolio night on the bump, coming in to relieve Tyler Lesley (2-1) in the third inning. The Galveston native put in 5.1 innings of work and only gave up two hits while striking out six and walking none. In the 18 batters that Croucher faced, he induced five flyouts and four groundouts.

Angelo State will seek redemption in game two of the series against the Chaparrals slated to begin at 2 p.m.