PRAIRIE VIEW – Behind a complete-game effort from senior Kyle Smith, the Prairie View A&M baseball team downed Texas College 3-2 in its home opener Friday afternoon at Tankersley Field, earning their first win of the season.
 
"After the Texas A&M game we had a little pow-wow and worked out some things we needed to straighten out to get the season going the way we always thought it should go," PVAMU Head Baseball Coach Auntwan Riggins said. "We came out on the field with an intent and it showed in the game. We had a good pitching performance from Kyle, along with some defensive stops that we needed when we needed it, we also got the hitting when we needed early."

The Panthers (1-5) wasted no time in getting on the board, as senior Tyler Gordon and sophomore Alex Martinez picked up back-to-back singles, while junior Demetrius Young singled home Gordon.

Junior Christian Mendez then reached on a fielder's choice, during which Martinez scored to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.

With the Steers unable to touch Smith early, Prairie View A&M added another run in the fourth thanks to a RBI double from freshman Brayden Johnson that scored senior Andrew Garcia.

"We went stale in the middle innings but ended up picking up a run.  We have to be a little bit more disciplined at the plate so we can capitalize on some of these guys that are getting on base," Riggins said. "Overall I'm pleased with it, we got the win, and we're looking forward to coming back tomorrow and going for another win or two."

From that point, Smith kept the clamps on the Steers until the eighth inning, where an errant delivery to home allowed the Steers their first run of the game. Texas College added another in the top of the ninth, but Smith regrouped to slam the door on the visitors' comeback attempt.
 
Smith allowed just one earned run, scattering five hits as he went the distance. Smith fanned seven in the win.

"After we left New Orleans, we told our pitchers that we're always in the game, but we've got to learn to finish," Riggins said. "I believe that's what Kyle did today. He went out, he competed, and he made some good pitches."

Young led the Panthers with a pair of hits.

Next Up:
Prairie View A&M returns to action Saturday, Feb. 23 for double-header play versus Texas College. First pitch of game one is set for noon, and game two will follow shortly after the conclusion of game one. 

How to Follow:
– Each game can be followed via Live Stats and Live Stream.