LAREDO, Texas – After a dominating game one of the series, Texas A&M International baseball fell in both games of Saturday's doubleheader, by final scores of 5-3 and 5-4.
 
GAME 1: UAFS 5 Texas A&M International 3
 
It was all TAMIU early, opening the game with a 3-0 lead.
 
Junior Antonio Buentello started the scoring driving in a run on an error in the bottom of the first to make it 1-0.
 
The Dustdevils added two runs in the bottom of the second to take a 3-0 lead off an RBI single by junior Leeandro Alfonzo and then the second run crossed on a balk.
 
Like TAMIU, the Lions scored all their runs in consecutive innings, posting two in the fourth inning and three in the fifth inning.
 
The fourth inning saw the score become 3-2 in favor of the Dustdevils after UAFS hit a two-run home run, then in the fifth scored on a single, sacrifice fly and a fielder's choice.
 
Senior Abanny Garcia pitched a complete game, allowing five runs, six hits, one walk and struck out six.
 
At the plate, TAMIU collected eight hits, with Alfonzo and junior Matt Kissamis leading the charge with 2-for-3 showings.
 
GAME 2: UAFS 5 Texas A&M International 4
 
Game two saw all nine runs scored in the first three frames.
 
This time it was the Lions jumping ahead, scoring three runs in the top of the first on two sacrifice flies and a balk.
 
The UAFS lead grew to 5-0 in the second on an RBI single and RBI fielder's choice.
 
The Dustdevils scored all four of their runs with one swing of the bat as Buentello belted a grand slam for his third home run of the season to make the score 5-4.
 
TAMIU had a chance in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game, thanks to a leadoff double by Buentello, but he was left stranded at second to end the game.
 
Sophomore Jan Cabrera managed only one inning in the start, allowing three runs, two hits and walked two.
 
Freshman Brandon Salazar impressed in relief, throwing 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, two hits, two walks and struck out four.
 
Sophomore Rolando Riza pitched the final out to be recorded, fanning that one batter.
 
Buentello led the Dustdevils at the plate, going 2-for-4 with the grand slam, driving in all four runs. Alfonzo had another multi-hit game going 2-for-3, while four others had a single hit.
 
TAMIU now looks to salvage the series and finish with a split, as they play UAFS tomorrow, Sunday Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.