FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Angelo State baseball team took the series lead against UAFS on Saturday, sweeping both doubleheader games by scores of 4-3 and 5-2 at Crowder Field.
 
With the pair of victories, the Rams improved their season record to 12-8 overall and 11-8 in Lone Star Conference play.
 
GAME 1: ASU 4, UAFS 3
After two scoreless innings of play, the Rams got on the board with three runs in the third inning. Justin Harris scored on a passed ball before an error brought in Weston Valasek while an RBI triple by Jacob Guerrero closed out the inning.
 
The Lions got one run back in the bottom half of the frame, scoring on a sac-fly to center field.
 
Alezeah Gutierrez started on the mound for the Rams, earning the win after throwing five innings with two runs on four hits with four strikeouts.
 
Harris brought in another run for ASU in the fourth inning, hitting a double toward left field to score Ryder McDaniel.
 
UAFS scored in the fifth on a solo home run before adding another run in the seventh on a single to right field.
 
Caleb Heuertz earned the save after throwing two innings of relief, allowing one run on two hits with four strikeouts.
 
GAME 2: ASU 5, UAFS 2
The Lions took an early lead in the second game of the day, scoring two runs in the second inning after an RBI triple followed by a wild pitch made it 2-0.
 
ASU responded in the third as Tripp Clark reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Valasek on the play. In the fifth inning, Clark tied the game on a single up the middle, once again, scoring Valasek to make 2-2.
 
Dax Dathe pitched six scoreless innings for the Rams as he improved to 3-0 on the season, giving up only two hits while striking out eight batters.
 
Heading into the top of the seventh with an even score, the Rams plated three runs on the board to earn the victory. Blake Wilhoite reached on a fielder's choice, scoring McDaniel while a wild pitch and a single by Clark made it 5-3.
 
The Rams and Lions will conclude the series tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Crowder Field.