After a five-game winning streak at home that included an exciting 4-0 series against Lincoln University, the St. Edward’s University baseball team went on the road in hopes of continuing their success.

Unfortunately, they found no such luck against St. Mary’s University and Texas A&M Kingsville.

On Feb. 19-20, they headed to Odessa to play the University of Texas at Permian Basin (9-4, 9-4 HC).

The Hilltoppers claimed their first game 6-4 in a doubleheader. Junior Adam Shank had a big hand in the win by hitting a triple, getting a two-out double and claiming two of the six runs.

Freshman shortstop Tim Redden also contributed as well going 3-for-4 with two RBI’s, a run and a stolen base.

Senior pitcher Jonathan Burns closed out the game in the seventh inning, securing the win for the Hilltoppers.

In the second game, UT Permian Basin was ahead 8-2 heading into the eighth inning. The Hilltoppers did not give up and played through to the end of the game, gaining four more runs. However, it was not enough to top the Falcons; the game ended in a 6-8 loss.

On Feb. 20, the Hilltoppers hoped to mount a comeback in the last game of the series against UT Permian Basin.

Up until the fifth inning, both teams were not able to score any runs. Sophomore Pitcher Jeffrey Rohrbach only allowed one hit in the first four innings, but the Falcons struck big in the bottom of the fifth, earning four runs.

The Hilltoppers came back immediately scoring three runs in the sixth and one run in the seventh. But again, it wasn’t enough for the Hilltoppers to claim the victory. The Falcons scored two more runs, ending the game 6-4.

Reflecting on the upcoming games, Ben Silberman, senior second baseman, has hope for the team.

Silberman said even though the team has been lacking consistency, “the great part is that we recognize that this is a problem and will fight to improve individually and as a team. We believe this team can go very far and we see success in our future.”

The Hilltoppers’ record is currently 6-8 overall and 6-7 in the Heartland Conference. They return home this week to play a three-game series against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Feb. 26-27.

Silberman said the team is excited to be home again after the last few road trips.