Box Score LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International fell into a 4-1 hole against the visiting Oklahoma Christian Eagles on Saturday at Jorge Haynes Field. But a mammoth seven-run Dustdevils seventh inning – powered by a Connor Belvin grand slam – electrified the game and pushed it into extra innings before it was decided.
The Eagles resurrected themselves with a four-run ninth inning, tying the game at eight-all before scoring three in the top of the 10th. TAMIU fell to OC, 11-8.
Belvin, the Dustdevils designated hitter, had only one hit in the game – going 1-for-5 on the day – but it was a monster. With the bases loaded and two outs, the freshman from Spring, Texas, launched a laser over the left-field wall for his first home run of his career. It was the first pitch he saw in the at bat. He plated Alex McKeon, Michael Colorado and Jake Cardoza on the blast, breaking a then-tied game.
TAMIU started its scoring with a one-run fourth inning. McKeon was clunked by an inside pitch and later stole second before first baseman Gordie Taggard fell into a full count. With three balls and two strikes, Taggart flicked a base hit to straight away center, recording a RBI as McKeon scored from second.
After three more scoreless Dustdevil innings, Taggart led off the seventh with a single to left field. Ryan Jozwiak and Nathan Halas then singled to left and on a bunt, respectively, forcing the Eagles to change their pitcher from Tyler Schuman to Garrett Guys. TAMIU third baseman Mauricio Granados stroked a single off the second pitch Guys tossed, loading the bases.
TAMIU shortstop Michael Colorado worked a full count into a walk, scoring Halas with a RBI. Dustdevils right fielder Andrew Arteaga then lifted a ball to deep center field, scoring Granados on the sacrifice fly. McKeon singled to load the bases and set the table for Belvin's RBI-feasting blast.
Clay Phillips came in to pitch the eighth inning, pitching two complete innings with three strike outs, a walk and four runs allowed. Baylr Bickerton (2-2) then replaced Phillips, taking the loss after an inning of work with a walk and three hits and runs allowed.
Marty Bigham started the game for TAMIU, slicing OC's batting order with six strike outs over five full innings, allowing only four hits and two runs – one earned. He walked four and threw one wild pitch over 23 batters faced.
Jared Curnel relieved him with two innings of work, walking one and allowing two to score on two hits.
OC reliever Ryan Nash (1-0) took the victory with just two innings of one-hit work.
TAMIU knocked 11 total hits, led by Jozwiak's 3-for-5 day. Taggart and Halas both went 2-for-5 and one run scored apiece. Taggart had a RBI. Cardoza (1-for-5, R), McKeon (1-for-3, HBP, 2R), Belvin (4 RBI, R) and Granados (1-for-5, RBI, R) each reached with one hit. Colorado walked twice and Arteaga once to also reach.
Both Taggart and McKeon stole second.
The Dustdevils will next travel to the University of Houston-Victoria on March 5 for a 5 p.m. non-conference showdown. TAMIU returns home on March 7 to host Rogers State in a doubleheader starting at noon.
