STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Raphael Smeenk delivered a tie-breaking two-run homer in the seventh inning, capping a comeback that lifted Tarleton State to an 8-5 victory over Houston Christian in a nonconference baseball game Saturday evening at Tarleton Baseball Complex.

The Texans, who improved to 12-5, erased an early four-run deficit and broke a 5-5 tie with Smeenk’s decisive blast. The designated hitter finished 2 for 3 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and two runs scored, powering the rally.

Houston Christian (8-9) struck first, capitalizing on control issues and defensive miscues by Tarleton State. The Huskies plated a run in the first inning on an RBI fielder’s choice by Curtis. They then added four unearned runs in the second, highlighted by a two-run single from Avalos that was enabled by a Tarleton State error, building a 5-0 lead.

Tarleton State chipped away with an unearned run in the first on an RBI double by Rayner Heinrich. The game turned in the middle innings as the Texans’ bullpen silenced the Huskies’ bats and the offense found its rhythm.

Reliever Karsen Davis entered with the bases loaded in the fifth and escaped the jam, beginning a dominant stretch for Tarleton State pitchers. Davis worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two to earn the win.

His effort kept the deficit manageable, and the Texans’ lineup responded. Kendyl Johnson launched a two-run homer in the fifth to cut the lead to 5-3. An inning later, Ike Shirey led off with a solo shot to make it 5-4.

The Texans then seized the lead in the sixth. After a single and a stolen base by Englett, Smeenk ripped an RBI double to tie the game, advancing to third on an error. He then scored the go-ahead run on a groundout by Jake Tatom, putting Tarleton State ahead 6-5.

Smeenk provided crucial insurance in the seventh. Following a walk to Englett, he connected for his two-run homer to right field, extending the lead to 8-5.

Ethan Jaques pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure the win for the Texans, who finished with 10 hits. Carson Lorch added two hits, including a double.

Houston Christian was held to five hits, all singles, after the second inning. The Huskies grounded into three double plays, squelching potential rallies.

The victory defied the pregame projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast an 8-7 win for Houston Christian, though the ELO system gave Tarleton State a 61.3% probability to win.

The teams are scheduled to conclude their two-game series Sunday afternoon.