SAN ANGELO, Texas – Texas A&M International traveled to face No. 25 Angelo State in the opener of a non-conference 3-game series on Tuesday night, just two days removed from taking two out of three games from Oklahoma Panhandle State. The result was an 11-5 defeat by the Rambelles, but the game was much closer than the scoreboard illustrated.

In just 22 games this season, the Dustdevils (9-13, 2-1 Heartland Conference) have faced six nationally ranked opponents – including Angelo State on three different occasions.

The Dustdevils and starting pitcher Sarah Johnson fell into an early 3-run hole when the Rambelles scored off a first-inning sacrifice fly to center field and back-to-back home runs.

But a bounce-back second inning tied the score at three after Chelsea Capello, Mariena Gallardo and Kyndall Reaves crossed the plate. Capello led off with a single to right field and later advanced to second and bases on wild pitches. Gallardo reached via four balls before Reaves sprayed a shot to left field, racking up a RBI when Capello scored. Ramos then reached and recorded a RBI on an error, scoring Gallardo. Finally, Parnin grounded out to the shortstop, scoring Reaves.

The game didn't remain tied for long though, as Angelo State scored once in the third and seven times in the fourth inning. TAMIU added two runs in the fifth but couldn't climb all the way back.

Parnin led off with a double to left field, scoring two batters later when her sister, Brenda Parnin, singled to center and advanced to second when the throw went home. Brittany Mussett then doubled to left-center field, pushing Brenda Parnin home for the Dustdevils final run.

Mussett led the TAMIU lineup with a 2-for-4 day with a RBI. Brenda Parnin and Capello both went 1-for-4, Reaves went 1-for-2, Anna Parnin went 1-for-1 and Gallardo walked twice. Cassie Garcia walked once and Reaves was hit by a pitch.

Johnson went the distance, pitching six innings while allowing 11 hits and runs – all earned – with three strikeouts and four walks.

The Dustdevils and Rambelles will return to action on March 5 for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. The Dustdevils will return to Dustdevil Field on March 7 to host Rogers State for a Heartland Conference doubleheader starting at 11 a.m.