March 6, 2009

Final Stats

Texas A&M International University and Newman split a Heartland Conference doubleheader on Friday afternoon at Dustdevil Field. The Dustdevils dished out 14 hits in a 10-6 win in game one before being limited to four hits in a 7-1 loss in game two.

Kike Granados contributed a two-RBI single in the first inning to provide TAMIU a 2-1 lead in the opener. The Dustdevils got two home runs in the second inning, a two-run bomb to left field by Rey Alvarez and a solo shot to center by Ricky Hernández, to push the lead to 5-1.

Newman rallied in the top of the third inning, scoring five runs off four hits and one Dustdevil error to take a 6-5 lead. The Dustdevils staged their own rally at that point, scoring five runs in the bottom of the third. A bases loaded two-RBI single by Zeke Sosa in that frame increased the lead to 10-6.

Starting pitcher Jorge Guarneros buckled down after being handed the four-run lead. He retired the next six batters he faced and allowed only two singles over the final four innings pitched. Guarneros improved to 3-1 on the season after allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits with nine strikeouts in a 7.0 inning complete-game effort.

Four Newman hits and two TAMIU errors led to a five-run top of the first inning for the Jets in game two. The Dustdevils did not climb back into the game after falling behind 5-0.

Newman (9-9, 8-8 Heartland) added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to blow the lead out to 7-1. TAMIU (10-8, 9-6) loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning but Jason Bonugli and Danny Cornejo struck out to end the threat.

TAMIU starter B.J. Valadez did not get out of the first inning and his record dropped to 3-2 with the loss. Steven Treviño turned in a complete game effort for the Jets, allowing only one run on four hits with eight strikeouts.

The two teams will complete the four-game series with a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.