March 8, 2008

Final Stats

Texas A&M International University defeated Newman 2-0 in Heartland Conference action on Saturday afternoon at Veterans Field. The result wraps a three-game sweep for the Dustdevils over the Jets.

Both of TAMIU's (9-14, 8-10 Heartland) runs were unearned. Rey Alvarez scored from third base in the sixth inning when Jet first baseman John Beavers dropped the third out on a Jason Bonugli ground ball and Blaine Monteau scored from first base in the eighth inning when Newman third baseman Picos Soto sailed a throw over the first baseman's head on a sacrifice attempt by Mason Dixon.

Three Dustdevil pitchers combined to give TAMIU its first shutout win of the season. Daniel López (1-3) recorded the win after allowing five hits with eight strikeouts in 6.1 innings of work.

John Gonzáles relieved López in the seventh and allowed one hit in 1.1 innings before Roger González entered the game with two outs and a runner on second in the eighth inning. González retired Tyler Riddick on a fly ball to center field to end the threat.

González walked the first two Jet batters in the top of the ninth inning. A sacrifice bunt then pushed both batters into scoring position with only one out.

Thomas Wooten then hit a shot towards TAMIU shortstop Ryan Flynn, who made a diving catch towards second base to keep the Newman scoring threat at bay. The game ended when Jet pinch hitter Brett Hutton flew out to centerfielder Alvarez.

Kevin Amos was the hard luck loser for Newman (1-14, 1-14). He scattered four hits over 5.2 innings before being relieved by Alex Mauricio in the sixth inning.

TAMIU returns to action next weekend with a home series against St. Edward's. The Dustdevils and Hilltoppers will play doubleheaders on both Friday and Saturday with the first pitch scheduled at noon on both days at Veterans Field.