Feb. 5, 2011
Final Stats
It was a beautiful day at Jorge Haynes field for a conference opening baseball doubleheader pitting Texas A&M International University vs. conference rivals UT-Permian Basin. It was a doubleheader on the day that showed the fight and grit of a rebuilding program in the Dustdevils.
TAMIU started out slow on the day falling behind early 5-0 before finally getting the offense in gear as they would put up a 3 spot in the bottom of the 5th inning to cut the deficit to 5-3. That inning would propel the offense into what some might call an explosion in the bottom of the 6th where they would bat around the order and put 8 big runs on the board to take a commanding 11-5 lead which they wouldn't relinquish.
TAMIU would win the game 11-5 behind a strong hitting line-up that was going through for the third time and started to rough up UT-Permian Basin pitcher Ryan Escarcega. Ryan would give up 6 earned runs in just .2 of an inning and saw the Dustdevils run away with it.
Danny Navarro would come in relief of starting pitcher Mike McGillivray in the 4th inning and finish with the win. McGillivray would have a rough home opener as he went 3.2 innings giving up 5 runs 4 of them earned and six hits and 3 walks. Navarro on the other hand went 3.1 innings allowing only 1 hit and one walk in the game and no runs.
The batter of the game though would be right fielder Chris Collazo as he would go 3 for 4 including 4RBI and a run scored.
TAMIU would take an intermission and come back for game two and once again found themselves down early as they gave up 5 runs in 4th inning. The Dustdevils would claw and scratch their way back into the game with 2 runs in the bootom of the 5th and two more in the 7th. But it wouldn't be enough as the Falcons would hold on for the victory by a final score of 5-4. TAMIU would leave plenty of chances on the base paths as they just weren't able to get a couple of runners home at key moments in Game 2 as they would end up with fourteen men left on base for the game.
Texas A&M International moves to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Both teams will take back to Jorge Haynes Field at Noon on Sunday for the rubber match. Admission for Sunday's game is free and there will be Baseball Bingo as well. If you cannot attend the game make sure you click the Game Central link here at Godustdevils.com and listen to the webcast audio for free.
