HOUSTON, Texas (January 31, 2026) - Rollins earned their first win of the year, using a big eighth inning to secure a 12-2 run-rule victory of Arkansas Tech at Daikin Field in Houston. The win moves the Tars to 1-1 on the year, while the Wonderboys fall to 0-2.
The Tars jumped out to a quick lead in the bottom of the first.
Joey Rubin walked, moved to second on a base hit from Collin Highes, and scored on a
Xavier Lopez knock to right field.
Arkansas Tech tied the game up in their next at bat, using two hits and a Rollins error to tie the game.
After starter
Brett Dennis stranded a runner in scoring position in the top of the third, the Tars put together six run in the bottom half. Hughes led off the inning with a solo home run to right. After an out, the next three hitters reached on two walks and an error.
Jayden Brown then brought one in on a sac fly, followed by a two-run single to the gap by
Mauri Bejarano. Rubin then wrapped up the rally with an RBI double to left, making it 7-1.
After a couple of scoreless frames, Tech added their second run of the game on a home run in the seventh.
Leading 7-2 in the eighth, the offense struck again. With the bases loaded, Hughes stayed hot with an infield single that drove in
Connor O'Sullivan. Next up was
Michael Furry, who blasted a grand slam down the left field line to put the Tars up 12-2, ending the game due to mercy rule.
Rollins batters reached base 24 times on eleven hits, twelve walks, and a hit by pitch. Hughes collected four hits on the day, scoring twice and driving in two. Rubin also reached base four times with two hits and a pair of walks. Every Rollins offensive starter scored at least once in the game.
On the mound, Dennis,
Mark Loubier, and
David Austen combined for a solid outing. Dennis was good for four innings, allowing one unearned run while striking out four. Loubier had three strikeouts in three innings. Austen tossed a scoreless eighth in his season debut.
The Tars will enjoy their Major League experience once more with a matchup against #10 North Greenville on Sunday, February 1. First pitch is scheduled for 10:30 am.
