LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International softball opened its season series in doubleheader action against #14 West Texas A&M on Saturday. In game one, the Lady Buffs won by a score of 7-1 and in game two, WTAMU shutout the Dustdevils 7-0.

GAME 1: #14 WTAMU 7, TAMIU 1

TAMIU would threaten in the top of the first inning, getting a runner to second with one out, but nothing would come to pass.

WTAMU would score the first five runs of the contest, beginning in the bottom of the second with a solo home run and an RBI triple.

The Lady Buffs made it 3-0 with a solo homer in the bottom of the third, then made it 5-0 in the bottom of the fifth with a two RBI single.

The Dustdevils opened the door of opportunity in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with no outs. However, only one run would come across on an RBI single by graduate Victoria Maldonado to make it 5-1.

WTAMU plated the final two runs of the game in the bottom of the sixth on two double steals with runners on first and third.

Senior Erika Cortez started in the circle for TAMIU and allowed five runs (four earned), eight hits, three walks and three strikeouts.

Sophomore Tessa Ramirez tossed an inning of relief, allowing two runs and three hits.

Offensively, the Dustdevils collected six hits with six different batters in the lineup combining for the total.

GAME 2: #14 WTAMU 7, TAMIU 0

TAMIU had chances in the first two innings, putting a runner at second in the first and runners at second and third in the second, but both times couldn't get the timely hit needed to jump ahead.

The Lady Buffs cracked the board in the top of the third with a pair of runs off an RBI single and RBI groundout to make it a 2-0 game.

WTAMU would then post a crooked number in the bottom of the fourth, plating five runs to make it 7-0.

In the half inning, the Lady Buffs scored on a two-run homer, two RBI single and a Dustdevil error.

TAMIU's only other chance to score outside the first two innings was in the bottom of the seventh, when a runner would be left stranded at second.

Sophomore Carla Arellano got the start for the Dustdevils and in four innings allowed seven runs, but only three would be earned, four hits, walked two and struck out one.

Ramirez worked relief again, and in two innings allowed just one hit and struck out two.

Offensively, TAMIU had just one hit, a second inning single by sophomore Eva Garcia, drew three walks and had one reach on an error.

The Dustdevils look to right the ship in a pivotal series finale on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.