LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International baseball came on strong at the end of the game, scoring four runs in the eighth inning as it defeated Cameron 10-6 to open the four-game series.
 
It was the Aggies (1-8, 1-8 LSC) who initially got things started, scoring two runs in the top of the first on a two-run home run to take the 2-0 lead.
 
TAMIU (2-8, 2-7 LSC) gained the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
 
In the fourth inning, senior Matt Kissamis doubled in two runs, giving the Dustdevils a 2-1 lead. Senior Leo Alfonzo laid down a sacrifice bunt scoring another run and senior Ronnie Bailey hit an RBI double to stretch the lead to 4-2.
 
Cameron cut the lead to 4-3 in the top of the fifth on an RBI single, but TAMIU scored two runs on a sacrifice from redshirt freshman Mario Chacon and an RBI double from Kissamis to take a 6-3 lead.   
 
The Aggies scored two runs in the top of the sixth off a two-RBI single and tied the game on an RBI single in the top of the seventh. 
 
The Dustdevils opened the floodgates in the eighth, scoring eight runs to take the lead. 
 
Kissamis stole third and scored on a throwing error and senior Marcus Alvarado hit a three-RBI triple. 
 
Freshman Cody Templeton got the start on the mound, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits while walking one and striking out two. 
 
Reese Petersen pitched 2.1 innings of relief allowing no runs on three hits while walking no hatters and striking out three.. 
 
Eight different players recorded a hit for TAMIU with Alvarado and Kissamis both recording two hits. Kissamis led the Dustdevils from the plate with three RBIs. 
 
Ahead in the season series 1-0, the Dustdevils look forward to the seven-inning doubleheader, tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 18, beginning at 12 p.m. followed by game two at 3 p.m.