ARLINGTON, Texas – Juan Martinez drove in three runs and the Golden Eagles (8-1) overcame their first loss of the season yesterday with a 10-1 win over host UTA at the UTA Invitational, Saturday at Clay Gould Ballpark.

With the game tied at 1-all in the top of the fifth, the No. 24 Golden Eagles plated three runs to go ahead of the Mavericks (5-8) for good as ORU matched their best start since the 1990 season.

Ryan Groth had another huge day at the plate for the Golden Eagles going 2-for-5 with two RBI. Groth knocked in the eventual game-winning run when he plated Kelly Minissale on a groundout. Martinez drove in the other two runs with a two-out single to center field.

After UTA scored a single run off reliever Carlos Luna in the third, the Mavericks were unable to get to the ORU pitching staff. Luna improved to 2-0 on the season by throwing four innings of relief.

The Golden Eagles scored two runs in the seventh, a run in the eighth and three runs in the ninth to build a 10-1 lead.

Adam Younger slugged his first home run of the year with a solo shot to lead off the ninth.

The combination of hurlers Andre Lamontagne, Stephen Barnes and Jason Grace finished out the game for the Golden Eagles by each throwing an inning of scoreless relief.

Right-hander Mark Serrano started the game for the Golden Eagles but lasted just two innings. Serrano did strike out four batters and did not allow any hits.

Younger, Minissale and Brian Van Kirk each finished with an RBI each.

ORU closes out the UTA Invitational tomorrow battling McNeese State at 12 p.m.

--ORU--