SEGUIN, Texas -- After a 6-0 start to 2019, third-ranked Texas Lutheran dropped its first game of the year in an 8-2 non-conference defeat Friday evening at the hands of the University of Texas at Dallas.

UTD improved to 3-5 with the win. TLU fell to 6-1.

At TLU's Katt-Isbel Field, the Comets erupted for seven runs in the second inning and added another run in the fourth.

TLU managed a run in the fifth and a run in the seventh.

Thomas Craig homered and drove in four for the Comets.

Nick Gardoni (Salinas, Calif./Palma) had two hits and a run scored for the Bulldogs. 

Cullen Motsinger (Houston/Cypress Ranch) and Joe Jimenez (San Antonio/Johnson) each recorded a pair of hits, and Tyler Cauley (Mont Belvieu/Barbers Hill) had a hit and an RBI. Austin Colon (La Grange/La Grange) also picked up an RBI.

Nathan Malinovsky (New Braunfels/New Braunfels) took the loss for TLU. Malinovsky (1-1) allowed seven runs (all earned) in 1-1/3 innings.

Cody Rimko (Lewisville/Lewisville) tossed the remaining 7-2/3 innings and surrendered just three hits and an earned run. He struck out four.

TLU and UTD plays a noon doubleheader Saturday at Katt-Isbel Field.