SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Texas A&M International opened its final series of a difficult season with a pair of signature wins over No. 22 St. Mary's in San Antonio on Friday. The Dustdevils (16-33, 8-21 Heartland Conference) swept the doubleheader with a 4-3 victory in Game 1 and a 4-1 victory in Game 2.

The South Texas rivals will close the regular season and the three-game series on Saturday with a 1 p.m. first pitch.

GAME 1: TAMIU 4, StMU 3 (7 Innings)

An Alex McKeon solo home run opened the game, giving the Dustdevils an early lead from the first inning on. TAMIU tabbed three more runs in the seventh inning before allowing a three-run homer to the Rattlers in their final frame.

Jeremy Gonzalez (4-6) recorded the victory for the Dustdevils from the mound and Garrett Taggart secured the save – his first of the year. Gonzalez went 6 1/3 innings with just six hits allowed and three runs. He walked four and struck out five. Baylr Bickerton relieved him but faced just two batters, allowing a walk before Taggart closed the game with 2/3 of an inning of work.

Rene Solis (11-3) took the loss for StMU, allowing six hits and four runs – two earned – in the complete-game effort. He walked two and struck out three.

McKeon and Gordie Taggart both went 2-for-3 and both scored runs. Connor Belvin went 1-for-3 and Ryan Jozwiak went 1-for-2 with a run scored. Jake Cardoza drew a pair of walks and scored a run. Michael Colorado went 0-for-2 but drove in a run when he grounded out to first base with the bases loaded.

GAME 2: TAMIU 4, StMU 1

In the nightcap, it took just one inning for the Dustdevils to secure starting pitcher Abdel Rivera's (3-6) victory. TAMIU notched four runs in the third, and Rivera allowed StMU just a run in the fifth inning of his complete-game 6-hitter.

St. Mary's Matt McClain started the game and took the loss with six innings of work. He allowed seven hits, four runs, two walks and struck out seven.

Rivera allowed six hits, one run, a walk and struck out three.

TAMIU stroked three doubles – one apiece by McKeon, Daniel Cruz and Cardoza – out of their eight hits. Andrew Arteaga and Cruz both went 2-for-5, with Cruz driving in a pair of runs. Nathan Halas went 1-for-5 with a run scored, McKeon went 1-for-4 with a run, Cardoza walked twice and went 1-for-2 with a run and a RBI, and Daniel Benavides went 1-for-4 with a RBI.

Gordie Taggart and Jozwiak each drew walks, while McKeon was hit by a pitch.