TYLER, Texas – Texas A&M International softball closed its weekend with #2 UT Tyler and despite battling, it was the Patriots who came out on top by scores of 4-0 and 9-1.
 
Game 1: #2 UT Tyler 4 Texas A&M International 0
 
UT Tyler scored all four runs in the contest in the bottom of the sixth inning after a pitcher's duel through 5.5 innings.
 
TAMIU put a runner in scoring position in every inning except the second and seventh, but just couldn't push a run across.
 
The Dustdevils loaded the bases in the fifth inning, and had a runner at third base in the third, fourth and sixth innings.
 
Junior Darrian Smith got the start in the circle and allowed four runs, eight hits, no walks and struck out three in 5+ innings.
 
Freshman Carla Arrellano pitched an inning of relief and allowed one hit and set down one.
 
Offensively, TAMIU had five hits, with Smith's 2-for-3 leading the way. Graduate student Melanie Gamboa, junior Heather Ruiz and sophomore Victoria Gonzalez all had one hit each.

Game 2: #2 UT Tyler 9 Texas A&M International 1 F/5

After a scoreless first inning, UT Tyler jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning, then followed that with five runs in the bottom of the third to take a 9-0 lead.
 
The Dustdevils lone run of the day came in the top of the fourth, when Gonzalez drove in sophomore Mikaila Vidal on an RBI double.
 
Freshman Sara Papizan started for TAMIU and in 2.1 innings, allowed eight runs (six earned), eight hits and struck out two.
 
Arellano worked a second game out of the bullpen and threw 1.2 innings while allowing just one unearned run, two hits and two walks.
 
TAMIU was only able to spray three hits in the five innings, with Gonzalez, Smith and junior Briana Arredondo all having one each.
 
The Dustdevils must quickly put the brief skid behind them as they welcome nationally ranked Angelo State and Lubbock Christian to Laredo this coming weekend. Play starts on Friday, Apr. 8 at 12 p.m. against the Rambelles for a doubleheader.