March 14, 2008

Texas A&M International University and St. Edward's split a Heartland Conference doubleheader on Friday at Veterans Field. TAMIU finished with 17 hits in winning the opener 17-4 before St. Edward's notched 14 hits in a 10-6 win in game two.

St. Edward's jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opener before Ricky Sánchez cut the Hilltopper lead to one run with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the second inning.

SEU would build its lead to 3-1 with one run in the top of the third before the Dustdevils took the lead for good with a five-run bottom of the third. The Dustdevils tallied five hits in the frame with Angel Encinas, Sánchez, Hugo Sánchez Jr. and Tanner Eells contributing RBI singles.

TAMIU stretched the lead to 10-3 with two runs apiece in the fourth and fifth innings. Ryan Flynn recorded a RBI single in fourth and Blaine Monteau a two RBI double in the fifth inning.

The Dustdevils added seven runs on three hits in the sixth inning, benefiting from six walks and the sixth error of the game by the St. Edward's defense. The Dustdevils capitalized on SEU's defensive struggles by scoring seven unearned runs in the game.

Jason Bonugli (3-3) recorded the win for the Dustdevils. He scattered five hits, allowing three earned runs with six strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work. John Gonzáles relieved Bonugli to pitch a three up, three down seventh inning.

TAMIU (10-15, 9-11 Heartland) took a 2-1 lead in the second game on a two run home run by Rey Alvarez in the bottom of the first inning. SEU would answer with four runs in the top of the third to take a 5-2 lead. Bradley Goldsmith and Drew Cross started the scoring for the Hilltoppers in that frame with back-to-back RBI doubles.

The Dustdevils would cut the Hilltopper lead to 6-5 on a RBI single by Flynn and a RBI double by Mason Dixon in the bottom of the fifth inning. SEU would secure the win with one run in the sixth and three runs in the seventh. Goldsmith hit a two-out two RBI double to push the Hilltopper lead to 10-5.

Daniel López (1-4) took the loss for the Dustdevils. He went 3.0 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs.

TAMIU and St. Edward's will conclude the four-game series with a doubleheader tomorrow at Veterans Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon.