Texas Southern catcher Michael Goudeau powered the Tigers past the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Thursday’s baseball series opener in Houston.
TSU defeated the UAPB baseball team 12-2 in eight innings in the first of three games scheduled between the teams. Friday’s game was postponed, so the teams will finish the regular season with a doubleheader Saturday at MacGregor Park.
Goudeau hit 3 for 4 with 7 RBI to lead Texas Southern (22-23, 18-6 SWAC). After hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning, he hit a grand slam in the sixth. He finished the game with a walk-off 2-RBI single in the bottom of the eighth.
His solo shot in the fifth inning gave TSU a 4-0 lead after the Tigers had broken the deadlock with a 3-run third. UAPB (15-34, 6-20) cut it to 4-2 in the top of the sixth when designated hitter Ben VanMaanen hit a 2-run homer, which also scored right fielder Carlos Rodriguez-Velez.
Goudeau’s grand slam was one of two home runs TSU hit in the sixth inning, the first being a 2-run shot from centerfielder Nin Burns II.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB left-handed pitcher Calvin McClendon (1-9) pitched the first 5 2/3 innings, allowing 8 runs on seven hits with one strikeout and three walks. Brett Kennett finished the game, allowing 4 runs on 2 hits with 2 strikeouts and 2 walks.
TSU starter Domenic Martinez (7-6) pitched the first 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. He struck out 8 and walked 4. Josiah Castro and Isaac Garcia combined to shut out UAPB for the final two innings, holding the Golden Lions to one hit.
TSU outhit UAPB 9-4. Centerfielder Gavin Terry had two of UAPB’s hits. Rodriguez-Velez’s homer and a seventh-inning single by third baseman Drew Cates were the others.
Saturday’s doubleheader will be the final two games of the season for UAPB.