Feb. 23, 2008

Final Stats

Texas A&M International University registered a 9-8 come-from-behind win over Incarnate Word on Saturday afternoon at Crispin "Doc" Sánchez Field at Laredo Community College. The win not only snapped a four-game Dustdevil losing streak but also dealt the Cardinals their first Heartland Conference loss of the season.

UIW (11-2, 9-1 Heartland) jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings but TAMIU (5-11, 4-7) would score once in the third and four runs in the fourth to take a 5-4 lead. Jason Bonugli took advantage of two errors by the Incarnate Word shortstop in the fourth inning by tagging a double that pushed Blaine Monteau across with the go-ahead run.

Incarnate Word answered with three runs in the top of the fifth inning, with the big blow being a two RBI triple by Drew Hamilton. Both teams scored in the sixth inning and UIW would lead 8-6 going into the bottom of the eighth.

Ricky Sánchez led off the eight with a walk before Angel Encinas drilled a double to the left field wall, advancing Sánchez to third. Arek Zambanini then singled to right field, driving in Sánchez and sending Encinas to third base with the tying run.

After Danny Cornejo struck out Zambanini would steal second and Blaine Monteau would walk to load the bases with one out. Bonugli then hit a ground ball to Tyler Jett but the Cardinal shortstop juggled the ball for his fifth error of the afternoon. The result was Encinas scoring the tying run and the bases still being loaded.

Incarnate Word relief pitcher Nathaniel Ramirez then struck out Rey Alvarez before walking pinch hitter Curtis Schell to give TAMIU the 8-7 lead. Mason Dixon then grounded out to second base to end the inning.

Roger González (1-0) retired the side in order in the top of the ninth to pick up his first win of the season. He went 3.2 innings, allowing no runs with two strikeous and one walk.

González entered the game with one out and a UIW runner on second base in the top of the sixth inning. He retired Chris Solis on a fly ball to center field and Josiah Rodriguez on a pop foul to first base to hold the Incarnate Word lead at 7-5.

Angel Encinas got the start for TAMIU. He allowed three earned runs in 4.1 innings before being relieved by Paul Routos. Ramirez (1-1) took the loss for UIW.