LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International baseball (3-6, 3-6 LSC) fell 8-5 in the series finale to Texas A&M-Kingville (2-1, 2-1 LSC) on Monday.

After a three up-three down start to the game, the Dustdevils jumped on the board early with three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. A two RBI double from Jerry Villareal scored Phillip Sanchez and Ariben Gutierrez for the first two runs. Ronnie Bailey traded places with Villareal in the next at bat with a RBI double down the left field line.

The Javelinas responded in the third inning, tying things up with three runs of their own. Two runs came home on a two RBI single up the middle, with other run scoring on another RBI single up the middle.

The game then fell into a bit of a pitcher's duel as both staffs threw three scoreless frames. TAMIU's stating pitcher Joseph Garza-Delapena threw a gem of game, working 7.0 innings with four hits, three runs, only one walk and three strikeouts. After giving up the three TAMUK runs in the third inning, he was perfect for the next three innings and didn't allow a hit in the next four.

TAMIU retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh with two runs to go back up 5-3. A Sanchez RBI triple to straight-away center scored Sergio Esqueda. Bailey brought home Sanchez and Villareal with a two RBI single to right center.

Unfortunately, the Javelinas would have an answer in the top of eighth as they put up five runs to take a 8-5 lead. A towering three-run homer to left brought in the first three runs, with the other two runs scoring on a fielding error by the right fielder.

Even though the Dustdevils put five runners on the bags over their next two at bats, they were unable to push any of them across and gave the Javelinas the 8-5 victory.

Matthew Sesler (1-0) earned the victory, with Aldo Buendia (1) earning the save. Issac Chavarria (0-1) took the loss.

TAMIU will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 26 as they play host to Oklahoma Christian in a three-game series.