Box Score LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International entered the final game of its 3-game series with Angelo State at Jorge Haynes Field on Sunday looking to salvage a game after the Rams swept Saturday's doubleheader. Instead, the Dustdevils (3-4, 0-0 Heartland) fell 14-3 in seven innings.
TAMIU was outscored in the series 30-7 by the Rams (4-0, 0-0 Lone Star Conference).
Dustdevils starting pitcher Armando Manrrique (0-1) suffered his first loss of the season, pitching 3 2/3 innings with three strikeouts and one walk, seven hits and five runs allowed – but just one earned. Marty Bigham relieved Manrrique, going 2 2/3 innings allowing five earned runs off seven hits with two strikeouts. Ryan Williams finished the game, going 2/3 an inning with three hits, four earned runs and a walk allowed.
Miles Gully (1-0) recorded the win in just 2 2/3 innings of work with five strikeouts.
Offensively, the Dustdevils saw first baseman Daniel Cruz make the most noise, going 2-for 3 – including a double -- with a RBI and a run scored. Left fielder Jake Cardoza (1-for-2, RBI, R), short stop Mauricio Granados (1-for-3), third baseman Gordie Taggart (1-for-2, R) were the only other Dustdevils with hits. Second baseman Michael Colorado, Taggart, designated hitter Connor Belvin and Cardoza reached base via walks as well.
TAMIU made four costly errors in the game, including two by right fielder Andrew Arteaga and one apiece by Cardoza and Bigham that led to Ram runs. On top of the faulty fielding, the Rams flexed their muscles at the plate with doubles by Hunter Choate, Brett David, Reggie Rodriguez, a triple by Tyler Coughenour and a home run by Nehwon Norkeh.
The Dustdevils will aim to surface above .500 with a 3-game series against the visiting Fort Hays State Tigers (0-0, 0-0 Mid-America) on Feb. 14 at noon and 3 p.m. The series finale will be on Feb. 15 at noon.
