LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International baseball opened the 2022 season in front of a packed crowd at Jorge Haynes Field, but in the end, it was UT Permian Basin taking game one of the four-game series, 7-5.
 
It was a rapid first three innings as neither team was able to hit the scoreboard.
 
In the top of the fourth, the Falcons (1-0, 1-0 LSC) opened the scoring with a wild pitch to take a 1-0 lead.
 
The lead was brief as the Dustdevils (0-1, 0-1 LSC) immediately to take a 2-1 lead at the end of the inning.
 
Junior Cameron Yeldell tied the game with an RBI single and the lead was taken after senior Ariben Gutierrez drew a bases loaded walk.
 
The TAMIU lead then grew to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth when junior Beto Cervantes singled in senior Ronnie Bailey.
 
UTPB then exploded for six runs over the next two innings, scoring five in the top of the sixth and one in the top of the seventh to take a 7-3 lead.
 
In the bottom of the ninth, the Dustdevils made it very interesting, as they brought two runs across off an RBI single by Bailey. However, TAMIU would strand runners on first and third to end the game.
 
Freshman Christopher Sauceda had a fantastic opening day in his first career start, pitching three innings, allowing two hits, two walks and striking out five.
 
Sophomore Andrew Delgadillo came in relief and in 2.1 innings allowed five runs, four hits, two walks and two strikeouts.
 
Junior Arthur Galvan and freshman Brandon Salazar combined to throw 3.2 innings and allowed two runs, six hits, two walks and six strikeouts. Galvan threw 2/3 of an inning, while Salazar threw three with five of the six strikeouts. Each gave up a single run.
 
Bailey led the way offensively with a 3-for-4 showing with two RBI, two runs scored and a walk. Gutierrez followed with a 2-for-3 outing. Four other Dustdevils each had a single hit.
 
TAMIU takes the field again tomorrow in doubleheader action against the Falcons. Game one of the twin-bill is set for 12 p.m.