LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International entered its final contest of the regular season against a nationally ranked conference rival on the road. Battling the stacked odds, TAMIU was coming off a doubleheader sweep of No. 22 St. Mary's.

The Dustdevils (16-34, 8-22 Heartland Conference) soared to a six-run lead while shutting out the Rattlers (32-18) into the fourth inning. The Rattlers sandwiched a single run between a pair of four-run innings – the fourth and eighth innings. TAMIU fell, 9-6, it the season finale.

The Dustdevils opened the game flexing its muscles at the plate, initially scoring Alex McKeon and Andrew Arteaga via Connor Belvin's two-RBI double in the top of the first inning.

In the top of the third, Arteaga and Daniel Cruz scored when senior third baseman Gordie Taggart blasted a home run for a then-five run lead.

TAMIU plated its final run in the top of the fourth inning when McKeon pushed Nathan Halas home with a RBI single.

Dustdevils starter Clay Phillips threw a strong 3 2/3 innings with five hits and four runs allowed. He struck out three and walked four before being relieved by Ryan Williams. Williams (0-1) took the loss with 3 2/3 innings of work, allowing five hits and four runs. Garrett Taggart faced two batters, giving up a hit and a run before Marty Bigham pitched the final 2/3 of the final inning, retiring two batters.

Arteaga led the Dustdevils offense, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored. He was also hit by two pitches. Michael Colorado went 2-for-4, McKeon went 1-for-4 with a run, a RBI and a walk, and Belvin went 1-for-4 with two RBI and a walk. Gordie Taggart went 1-for-5 with a run and three RBI, Ryan Jozwiak went 1-for-3 with a walk, and Jake Cardoza went 1-for-4 with a double. Daniel Cruz walked twice.

With the season's conclusion, the Dustdevils see five seniors move on. Gordie Taggart and pitchers Abdel Rivera, Phillips, Ryan Williams and Baylr Bickerton will graduate as Dustdevils.