LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International (22-17, 15-11 LSC) scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to complete a comeback victory and defeat Texas Woman's (7-24, 6-20), 3-2 in game one. In game two, it was the Pioneers, behind two first inning home runs, taking the 6-3 win in game two.
 
Game 1: Texas A&M International 3, Texas Woman's 2
 
The first four innings were nothing but zero's, thanks to superb pitching by both sophomore Erika Cortez (12-7) and Texas Woman's Kelsie Briggs. The two combined to allow just two hits over the frames.
 
TAMIU ultimately broke the tie in the bottom of the fifth when freshman Victoria Gonzalez notched an RBI single to make it 1-0.
 
The Pioneers would respond in the sixth inning, breaking up a Cortez no-hitter, with a single followed by a two-run home run to take a 2-1 lead.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, the Dustdevils managed to string together the necessary hits needed to win the game 3-2. Gonzalez roped an RBI double to tie the game and junior Briana Arredondo's hard-hit grounder to short was misplayed, brining in the winning run.
 
Cortez threw a complete game, allowing two run, two hits and struck out nine on the afternoon.
 
Offensively, Gonzalez led the way going 3-for-4 with two RBI, while senior Shelby Edwards, junior Heather Ruiz and sophomore Victoria Maldonado each collected a hit.
 
Game 2: Texas Woman's 6, Texas A&M International 3
 
In game two, Texas Women's got a three spot in the top of the first to help lead itself to the 6-3 victory.
 
After two quick outs, the Pioneers chased starter, junior Darrian Smith, after a solo and two run home run to take a 3-0 lead.
 
Smith (2-3) threw just 0.2 innings and allowed three runs, two hits and walked two.
 
TAMIU cut the deficit to 3-1 in the fourth inning thanks to a Pioneer error, but Texas Woman's responded scoring a run in the fourth on a foul out and a two RBI double in the fifth to lead 6-1.
 
The Dustdevils trimmed the Pioneer lead to 6-3 in the bottom of the fifth on a two RBI single by Ruiz, but nothing more came for TAMIU in the final two innings.
 
In relief of Smith was freshman Chelsea Salinas, who threw 6.1 innings and allowed three runs, five hits, two walks and struck out three.
 
Offensively, Gonzalez (2-for-3) and Ruiz (2-for-4, 2 RBI) both put together a multi-hit game, while four other Dustdevils contributed a hit to the cause.
 
TAMIU will defend its home field one last time in the 2021 regular season and will honor seven seniors in a doubleheader against Midwestern State. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 25.