Texas Southern sports information

NEW ORLEANS — The Tigers of Texas Southern are headed back to the NCAA Tournament after defeating Grambling State 18-3 for the team’s second consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship Sunday.

At Wesley Barrow Stadium, a nine-run third inning gave Texas Southern a comfortable advantage as the Tigers from the Lone Star State cruised to its third conference championship in four seasons.

Christian Sanchez went 2-for-4 with five RBIs, while O.J. Oloruntimilehin drove in four runs as part of a 2-for-6 day for Texas Southern (27-26). Aron Solis struck out six batters over five innings to pick up his second victory of the tournament, improving his overall season record to 10-3.

In collecting four RBIs for the second consecutive game, Oloruntimilehin was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Sanchez, Kamren Dukes, and Gaudencio Lucca also represented TSU on the All-Tournament team.

Dukes went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and four runs scored Sunday, as he reached base safely for the 45th consecutive game. Lucca went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in the game.

Sanchez’ five-RBI game included a two-run home run in the eighth inning, which was his SWAC-leading 17th of the season.