The Dustdevils and Tigers will conclude the 3-game series on Feb. 16 at noon at Jorge Haynes Field before traveling to open Heartland play against Lubbock Christian (4-4, 0-0 Heartland) in 3-game series on Feb. 21-22.

GAME 1: TAMIU 4, FHSU 3

A pitching duel between TAMIU starter Jeremy Gonzalez and FHSU starter Steven Federau evolved into a 5-inning chess match as both teams were held scoreless until the Dustdevils pushed a trio of runs across in the bottom of the fifth.

TAMIU left fielder Jake Cardoza singled to left-center field to plate designated hitter Daniel Cruz. Alexander Cabezas then pushed Arturo Castro Jr. and Cardoza across with a double, but he was gunned down trying to extend the knock into a triple.

Gonzalez pitched strong 6 1/3 innings, only allowing six hits and a walk while facing 22 official batters. He struck out six before finding trouble in the seventh.

After striking out the Tigers leadoff batter, Clayton Garland and Cooper Langley roped back-to-back doubles.

TAMIU's Garrett Taggart relieved Gonzalez after a RBI single brought FHSU within a run. Another RBI single tied the game before Taggart and the Dustdevils could escape. Taggart was injured covering first base on a bunt single by Alex King, and was forced to leave the game with an inning pitched and a strikeout. He walked one and allowed two hits.

Baylr Bickerton threw 1 2/3 innings from there, collecting the win to improve to 2-0 on the year. He retired all four batters he faced.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Castro led off with an infield single before getting thrown out advancing to second on a fielder's choice. With Cabezas at first, Michael Colorado doubled down the right field line.

With runners on second and third, the Tigers intentionally walked Mauricio Granados to load the bases.

With the stage set and victory back within reach, Andrew Arteaga popped up to right field – just deep enough to score a tagging-up Cabezas.

The Dustdevils saw Cardoza (2-for-3, R, RBI), Cruz (2-for-4, R) and Castro (2-for-4, R) stroke two hits apiece, while five others managed to reach once in the game. Cabezas notched a game-high two RBI to lead the Dustdevils hitting spree – which only produced only three strikeouts through 34 official at-bats.

GAME 2: TAMIU 6, FHSU 5

A quick 1-run lead in the first inning put the Dustdevils in a strong position through four innings of play, but a walk, a fielder's choice, a single and hit-by-pitch threatened in the fifth inning.

The Tigers added another run in the sixth, leading TAMIU 5-3 into the bottom of the seventh inning.

That's when a series of heroes from game one entered the fray again. Needing two runs to tie and three to end the game, leadoff batter Colorado slapped a single to centerfield. Granados walked before Arteaga singled.

FHSU's Garland threw wildly into the infield after sprawling for a flaring fly ball off the bounce, allowing Colorado to slide home to create a 1-run game. TAMIU catcher Jonathan LaFrenz was immediately hit by a pitch.

Again with the bases loaded, Cruz shot a line drive down just over third base, plating LaFrenz and Arteaga for the team's second walk off of the day.

Colorado and Arteaga finished 2-for-4 each with a combined three runs scored. Six other Dustdevils added a hit throughout the 7-inning game. Ryan Jozwiak entered as a pinch runner in the sixth inning and scored. Colorado, Granados and Castro each hit doubles.

Preseason All-South Central Region pitcher Abdel Rivera started the game and went 4 1/3 innings for the Dustdevils, allowing four runs off seven hits and four walks with four strikeouts before being replaced by Jared Curnel and then the game's winning pitcher, Marty Bigham (1-0). Bigham went 2 2/3 innings with three strikeouts, two walks and two hits allowed. The Tigers scored only once on him.