Dressler pitches UTSA past McNeese State on Saturday, 5-2

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Steven Dressler allowed two runs over 8 2/3 innings to lead UTSA to a 5-2 victory over McNeese State in the second game of the series on Saturday afternoon at Joe Miller Ballpark.

Dressler (2-1) scattered six hits and struck out four batters in a 107-pitch effort. The Burlington, Ontario, native retired 15 consecutive batters before surrendering a one-out single in the ninth. After giving up another single and striking out his fourth batter of the game, the left-hander handed the ball over to Andre Shewcraft, who recorded the final out to secure his first save of the spring.

The Cowboys (2-8) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, which was the longest for Dressler.

Shane Selman reached on a two-out single and then stole second base. After a wild pitch allowed Selman to move to third and Joe Provenzano walked, Mitchell Rogers hit a roller to the left side that was enough for Selman to score.

From there, Dressler settled in.

He faced the minimum over the next seven innings, giving up only one hit along the way.

Meanwhile, the Roadrunners (3-5) broke through with two runs in the sixth.

Jonathan Tapia and Bryan Arias started the frame with back-to-back singles. Trent Bowles then laid down a sacrifice bunt that was misplayed by the McNeese State defense and allowed the bases to be loaded. Tony Beam followed with a sharp single through the left side that drove in Tapia.

After a pitching change, Arias scored on a double play.

UTSA added its third run in the seventh.

Ryan Stacy led off the stanza with a double down the left-field line. After an error in the outfield, he ended up at third base. Four pitches later, Aldo Buendia dumped a single into the outfield, driving in Stacy.

The Roadrunners were not done, as they picked up two insurance tallies in the eighth. Dylan Rock posted an RBI single, while Stacy also drove in a run on a fielder’s choice.