Box Score Lubbock, Texas - Texas A&M International baseball dropped game one of the series to the Lubbock Christian on Thursday, 8-18.
TAMIU grabbed an early lead in the first inning when
Joseph Cruz's single to center field drove in
Abiam Medina after an error by the first baseman, putting TAMIU up 1-0. However, Lubbock Christian (LCU) swiftly responded with McCool's triple to left field, bringing in two runs, followed by Ball's single to right field, adding another run for LCU, resulting in a 3-1 lead.
In the third inning, LCU extended their lead with Gutierrez's single up the middle, scoring Bowen, making it 4-1, followed by Ball's single through the right side, bringing in McCool and increasing LCU's lead to 5-1. TAMIU staged a comeback in the fourth inning, scoring six runs to take the lead. Coolbaugh's double down the right-field line narrowed the gap to 5-2, and Lugo's single through the right side brought in two runs, tying the game at 5-5. Gutierrez's double to left-center and Medina's single to first base further added to TAMIU's lead, making it 7-5.
LCU responded with Blair's home run to right field, cutting TAMIU's lead to 7-6. Gutierrez's single to third base tied the game at 7-7, followed by McCool's single through the left side, giving LCU an 8-7 lead, and Ball's single to right field, extending LCU's lead to 9-7.
In the fifth inning, TAMIU narrowed the lead as Stanwick's single to left-center brought in Lugo, making it 8-9. However, LCU extended their lead with Maane's home run to left field, Bowen's single to center field, and McCool's bases-loaded walk, making it 12-8. Ball's walk increased LCU's lead to 13-8.
In the sixth inning, LCU added one more run with Gutierrez's home run to left field, bringing the score to 14-8. Ultimately, Lubbock Christian secured an 18-8 victory over the Dustdevils despite TAMIU's strong effort throughout the game.
Abiam Medina showcased his offensive prowess by going 2-for-5 at the plate with a double and contributing one RBI. Additionally,
Joey Coolbaugh had a solid outing, going 1-for-4 with a double and driving in one run.
Alex Lugo delivered an impressive offensive display, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double, two singles, and two RBIs.
Ponce pitched 4.1 innings for the Dustdevils, allowing 12 runs (all earned) on 17 hits, ultimately receiving the loss for TAMIU.
The Dustdevils and Chaps will return to action for a doubleheader on Friday, March 29 beginning at 2pm.
