BOX SCORE

EDINBURG, Texas – Michael Zouzalik pitched eight scoreless innings, and the University of Texas-Pan American defense turned four double plays in a 5-0 shut-out victory over Saint Louis University Sunday afternoon at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. The Broncs (4-0) won all four games to win the 2011 Al Ogltree Classic Tournament. The Broncs also swept all four games in last season's Al Ogletree Classic. The Billikens (2-2) won both their games against Illinois Chicago on Friday and Saturday.

“SLU and UIC are very good teams and when you open the season against quality teams and you are able to sweep them you are off to a good start,” UTPA Head Coach Manny Mantrana said. “We told the players though that it's the beginning, it's a long season and we need to keep improving.”

Zouzalik (W, 1-0) had a few struggles early including a bases loaded no-out situation in the second, but battled through for the victory. Zouzalik walked two and struck out four and gave up just five hits.

Freshman sensation Colton Van Komen, who scored the winning run in Saturday night's 13-inning thriller, drove in the first two runs of the game by hitting his first career homer off of Saint Louis starter Zack Smith to give UTPA the 2-0 advantage.

“He is a freshman that is going to swing the bat, (Van Kommen) is pushing to be in the line-up, and that's a good problem to have, players competing for playing time,” Coach Mantrana added. “We have a lot of guys competing and pushing each other for playing time, that is going to make you a better team.”

The Broncs added a pair of runs in the fourth to take a 4-0 lead. Roger Bernal drove in a run in the fifth to cap the scoring for UTPA.

Smith (L, 0-1) took the loss allowing four runs, three earned, while walking and striking out two in 4.1 innings of work for the Billikens.

The season opening five game homestand ends for UTPA on Tuesday night when they play host to the Scorpions of UT-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.