Spatola’s 3-run homer keys 6-run, ninth-inning Boston College rally for 8-7 win over Texas St

Boston College rallies past Texas State, 8-7

AUSTIN, Texas — John Spatola hit a three-run homer during a six-run ninth inning, and Boston College rallied to beat Texas State 8-7 in the opener of the Austin regional Friday.

The Eagles (34-24) started the ninth with five straight hits, including Spatola’s homer, and sent 11 batters to the plate to turn a 5-2 deficit into an 8-5 lead.

The Bobcats (41-16) made it close on Paul Goldschmidt’s two-run homer in the ninth. With the tying run on second base, Boston College reliever Mike Belfiore struck out Lance Loftin on a full count to earn his ninth save.

The rally made a winner of Chris Kowalski, who allowed a hit in a scoreless eighth.

Texas State’s Michael Russo allowed five hits and three earned runs in two-thirds of an inning for the loss.