RICHARDSON, Texas — The UT Dallas Comets proved their resilience in dramatic fashion on Friday, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a 7-6 walk-off win over West Texas A&M.
In their home opener at UTD Baseball Field, the Comets overcame an early four-run deficit to hand head coach Travis Graves a win in his Richardson debut.
The Final Frame
Entering the bottom of the ninth trailing 6-4, the Comets (3-1) ignited the crowd of 316 as the heart of the order came through. Trent McCown delivered a clutch two-run double to tie the game, setting the stage for Korson Hastings.
Hastings hammered a walk-off single to score Peyton Peoples, completing the comeback and sending the home dugout into a frenzy.
After left-hander David Dean struggled in his second start of the season—allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over 2.1 innings—the UTD bullpen took over to keep the game within reach. Dean now carries a 7.11 ERA through 6.1 innings this season.
The bullpen performance
Luke Nielsen: Tossed 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out one. Nielson has been brilliant out of the pen in the early going.
Christian Robb: Threw 13 pitches in a scoreless inning despite a walk and a hit batter.
Gavin Hickman: Pitched 1.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts.
Kasey Kling: Earned the win (1-0) after 1.1 innings of work, allowing one run on two hits.
Top of the order dominance
The top of the Comets’ order was relentless, combining for a .500 average (9-for-18) and four RBIs. Shortstop Jake Amoroso and right fielder Trent McCown both recorded three-hit games, with each player lacing two doubles.
Left fielder Chris Benavidez added a multi-hit performance of his own, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
The Comets continue their early-season momentum in the Travis Graves era as they prepare for game two of the three game series against West Texas A&M tomorrow.
Derek Holland sighting
The Dutch Oven is the Comets pitching coach.