Air Force topped by Texas to end midweek series

AUSTIN- Trailing 5-3 in the 7th, Air Force surrendered seven runs in the inning, creating a deficit too large to overcome as the Falcons fell 12-3 to the Longhorns.

Charlie Jones, making only his third start of the spring, had his most productive day yet. The sophomore was 3-4 with 2 RBIs, clubbing his first home run of 2024 in the 7th, a solo homer. Jones also drove in the game's initial run with an RBI single in the 2nd.

Wednesday stands as Jones' first-career three-hit game.

Sam Kulasingam and Jake Greiving each managed two hits, while Christian Taylor drove in a run in the 6th with a single into right field.

Jones' home run resulted in Air Force's lone extra-base hit.

Making his third start of the year, Jack Bello posted a scoreless 1st inning before running into trouble in the 2nd. The Longhorns initiated the inning with three-consecutive hits, including a two-run double, ending Bello's afternoon after 1.0+ innings.

Following the double, Davis Rhyne entered with runners in scoring position and nobody out. The freshman did not allow a hit, though a run-scoring wild pitch, two walks and a passed ball would see the Longhorns exit the 2nd leading 4-1.

Called upon in the 3rd, Sam Hentges was effective, retiring all five batters he faced over 1.2 scoreless innings, adding a strikeout.

In the 5th, Patrick Davidson made the third appearance of his debut season. The C4C's lone blemish was a solo home run over his 2.0 innings pitched to go with a couple of strikeouts.

After adding runs in the 6th and 7th, Air Force trimmed the deficit to 5-3 as the ballgame moved to the home half of the 7th. With momentum seemingly on their side, the Falcons saw the game slip away.

Coming in from the bullpen, Ethan Dillinger opened the inning surrendering five-consecutive hits, including a two-run double and a three-run home run to end his outing.

Following Dillinger was Gaines Estridge, who also failed to record an out. Estridge was responsible for three hits, most notably a two-run home run, forcing Air Force to make its third pitching change of the inning.

Joey Collier did well to induce a double play and a popup, though Air Force exited the inning trailing 12-3. The score would eventually hold to the end of the ballgame.

Next, Air Force will venture back into Mountain West play, traveling to Fresno State for a three-game series starting Friday, March 22.

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