ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — In a wild, back-and-forth contest defined by a chaotic first inning, the Texas-Arlington Mavericks rallied from an early eight-run deficit to defeat the Texas Christian Horned Frogs 11-8 on Tuesday night at Clay Gould Ballpark.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the bottom of the first inning, where the Mavericks sent 15 batters to the plate and scored nine runs to completely erase the Horned Frogs’ commanding lead. TCU had taken an 8-0 advantage before recording an out in the top of the frame, capitalizing on walks and timely hitting.

The Mavericks’ response was immediate and relentless. Facing TCU starter Nolan Johnson, UTA’s first five batters reached base. An RBI infield single by Ryan Melendez and a run-scoring single by Garrett Mazoch began the comeback. The inning was fueled by critical TCU mistakes, including a failed pickoff attempt by Johnson that allowed two runners to advance into scoring position.

The pivotal blow came from center fielder Xander McAfee, who delivered a two-run single down the left field line to cut the deficit to 8-4. After a pitching change that brought in Tyler Phenow, UTA continued to capitalize. Clark Springs drove in another run on a fielder’s choice, and Matt Laracuente added an RBI infield single. Parker Knott then completed the stunning reversal with a two-run double to deep right field, tying the game at 8-8. Melendez followed with his second RBI single of the inning, giving UTA a 9-8 lead it would not relinquish.

The nine-run inning set the tone for the remainder of the game. TCU clawed back to tie the game at 9-9 in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Sam Liddington and again at 11-11 in the fourth on a two-run double by Jack Brunson, but could never regain the lead.

UTA secured the winning runs in the sixth inning, again aided by TCU miscues. An error by left fielder Karson Arthur allowed a runner to reach, and two bases-loaded walks—one by pinch-hitter Tate Harp and another by McAfee, who was hit by a pitch—pushed across two unearned runs to make it 11-9.

TCU mounted a final threat in the ninth, scoring one run on an RBI single by Brayden Traeger to pull within 11-10 and bringing the potential go-ahead run to the plate. UTA reliever Hayes Melville was replaced by Chase Evans, who induced a game-ending lineout to left field with two runners on to seal the Mavericks’ first victory of the season.

UTA improved to 1-3, while TCU fell to an even 2-2. The Horned Frogs collected 11 hits but were undermined by three errors and 10 walks issued by their pitching staff. The Mavericks finished with 12 hits.

Key performers for UTA included McAfee, who drove in three runs, and Knott, who went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Laracuente also had three hits and scored three times. For TCU, Brunson had two hits and three RBIs, and Liddington homered.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, TCU had entered the game with an 83.30 percent probability to win.

TCU travels to face UCLA for a three-game series starting Friday. UTA begins a three-game home set against Lamar on Friday.