Kruger gave up only three hits and two walks in an efffective game, getting the call for the ninth inning after throwing just 84 pitches through the first eight.
“That’s why I let him go out and finish,” head coach Billy Hefflinger said. “It’s nice to see a pitcher go out and get ahead in the count.”
After UTPB took a 1-0 lead in the second, WTC (1-3) tied it up in the fourth after a double by Trey Roberson who later scored on an error.
UTPB added three in the sixth, before the Westerners responded with five-run seventh inning -- plating three runs with two outs -- that helped seal the win.
Hefflinger said he was pleased with the way his hitters worked the count.
“It’s nice to see us go out and put together a big inning,” he said.
Kyle Toney went 3-for-5 with two steals and two runs driven in, while Roberson had three RBIs in the tilt.
BK McLaughlin, Tanyon Reeves and T.J. Sagan each added a base knock.
Hefflinger praised the defensive work of Sagan, who started just his fourth official game at first base.
“He’s done a great job -- he’s already saved us about nine runs with his defense,” Hefflinger said. “It’s not surprising, though. He’s the ultimate gamer.”
The Westerners were scheduled to play Friday and Saturday against New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, but Hefflinger said the dates may be pushed back all the way to Monday and Tuesday.