Jags take first two from Wayland Baptist

The UHV baseball team doesn't care where the runs come from, only that they get them.

The Jaguars swept Saturday's season opener against Wayland Baptist at Riverside Stadium with 1-0 and 3-2 wins despite totaling three hits. It's the first time since 2020 UHV has won its season opener and first time since 2013 the team has started the season 2-0.

Mason Longoria picked up the win in Game 1 after throwing a complete-game shutout in which he allowed two hits and struck out eight batters. Brady Parker earned the win in Game 2 after five innings of work in which he allowed two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts.

"It was awesome," said second-year head coach Jonathan Stavinoha. "I can't say enough, Game 1, about Mason Longoria going the distance, seven (innings) strong with a complete-game shutout. Man, his stuff was good. He was a dog tonight."

The Jaguars plated the eventual winning run in the sixth inning of Game 1 after outfielder Levi Whitlock came home on a wild pitch after he reached base on an error, stole second and reached third on a fielder's choice.

UHV scored all three of its runs in Game 2 in the third inning without recording a hit. Hayden Leopold's RBI groundout scored Jean Michael Gonzales. A wild pitch scored Kaden Fikac to tie the game before Richie Gill Jr. drew a bases-loaded walk as a pinch hitter to plate Juan Martin.

"No matter what, I know these guys can pick us up," Longoria said. "It being the first series and different pitching from the fall, it's all new. But I think as soon as the bats get hot, they're not going to stop."

Parker allowed one run in each the second and third innings of Game 2, including a home run. Following the home run, he retired the next nine batters with five strikeouts.

Justin Mireles pitched a shutout sixth inning before turning the ball over to freshman right-hander Samuel Ibarra Jr., who recorded his first collegiate save.

"It took (Brady) a second to lock in. Once he was locked in, there was no stopping him," Stavinoha said. "Five innings strong, then Mireles with the hold and Sammy, a freshman, getting a save in his first appearance."

Ibarra only issued a two-out walk, which prompted a mound visit by Stavinoha. The Baytown native struck out the next batter to secure the 3-2 win.

"I told him, 'You've been here a million times. Get up there and do your thing,'" Stavinoha said. "I can't say enough about how he fought through any jitters he might've had and just coming in and throwing the rock."

The Jaguars will look to go for a series win and potential sweep on Sunday with a 12 p.m. doubleheader. It is still Free Ticket Weekend presented by Crossroads Bank.