UTSA baseball pitcher Braylon Owens was a part of an emotional moment on Sunday against UCLA, as he was removed from the game after being hit with a comebacker.
Owens, who has been a key part of the Roadrunners’ postseason run − including their win over No. 2 Texas in the Austin Regional − took a ball off the body that was hit at 108 miles per hour, according to the broadcast. He was quickly checked on before he arose and shed away tears, hugging UTSA coach Pat Hallmark.
Emotional moment as Pat Hallmark takes Braylon Owens out after getting hit by a comebacker.
What a postseason for the senior. pic.twitter.com/kgLBaPorGa
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 8, 2025
Owens appeared in relief on Sunday against the Bruins, with his final line ending at 2 1/3 innings pitched. He allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts.
UTSA dropped Game 1 of the Los Angeles Super Regional 5-2 on Saturday, and needs a win on Sunday to avoid its season ending.
The senior right-hander was sensational in relief against Texas earlier in the NCAA tournament, going four innings and allowing only one hit and one run while striking out seven hitters. He earned the save in UTSA’s first win against Texas in the regional, which put the Roadrunners at the top of the winner’s bracket.
Owens and UTSA trailed 3-0 in the eighth inning at the time of the play, and his removal from the game could mean the end of the senior’s college career, if the score stands.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UTSA’s Braylon Owens leaves game vs UCLA after being hit by comebacker