ODESSA, Texas – University of the Southwest baseball extended its winning streak to seven games in a row and defeated NCAA Division II foe and regional rival University of Texas of the Permian Basin 6-4 and 5-2 Friday evening in non-conference action.
 
"Overall, we found enough to win some close ball games on the road," USW head coach Steve Appel said. "We were tested with some adversity that we have not faced thus far and we learned a little about ourselves. We will have things we need to correct in order to win and compete in the conference portion of our schedule."
 
The series opener, scheduled to be a seven-inning game, was an 11-inning marathon.
 
Kody Kolb started the top of the 11^th inning with a double to left field and JC Velasco laid down a sacrafrice bunt to move Kolb to third base. Ben Tingen singled to left field to score Kolb, which was followed by a Sam Moreno walk. Tingen then stole second base and third base to put runners at the corners. The Mustangs nearly pulled off the double-steal, Tingen was safe at home plate, but Moreno was caught stealing second base.
 
David Flores quickly went to work in the bottom of the 11^th inning and closed out the game and also earned the win.
 
Ean Smith batted 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI. Tingen went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
 
Kevin Whitaker started on the bump and was credited with a no decision. He tossed five innings and scattered five hits and allowed three runs and three walks and fanned six batters.
 
Flores entered in relief and threw six innings and allowed five hits, one run and one walk and struck out five batters.
 
In game two USW broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the sixth and added three runs late to clinch the game and secure the series sweep.
 
Velasco produced the go-ahead RBI single in the top of the sixth inning. USW added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to put the contest out of reach.
 
Jesus Chavez batted 1-for-3 with a pair of RBI and a run scored.
 
JJ Kruzel earned the win on the bump. Kruzel tossed five innings and scattered three hits, allowed two runs and one walk and fanned three batters.
 
USW (9-5) returns to action Saturday and finishes out the weekend with a neutral site series versus NCAA Division II opponent Newman (Kansas) University. Opening pitch is set for noon at UTPB.