UT Arlington bats quiet in Sun Belt home opener

UT Arlington lost its first Sun Belt Conference home opener and also saw a modest two-game winning streak end Friday night at Clay Gould Ballpark.

Limited to six hits, the Mavericks (7-15, 0-4 Sun Belt) lost 5-1 to Arkansas State (12-9, 4-0).

“If I was a basketball coach, I’d say we have to step up and hit a wide-open jumper,” UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas told UTAMavs.com. “Our margin for error is very slim right now. At some point we have to start hitting with runners in scoring position. It will happen.”

UTA starting pitcher Brad Vachon (1-5) gave up two runs in the first inning after the first five Red Wolves batters reached base. One run scored on a bases-loaded walk and another on a double play.

Vachon lasted less than four innings, giving up all five runs.

UTA left 11 runners on base, including the bases loaded in the second and sixth innings. The Mavericks’ only run came in the second inning with a two-out rally. Brady Cox walked with the bases loaded.

Daniel Milliman threw 5 1/3 innings of four-hit, scoreless relief for UTA.

The three-game series continues Saturday with a 2 p.m. first pitch.

This story was originally published March 21, 2014 at 10:24 PM with the headline "UT Arlington bats quiet in Sun Belt home opener."