LAREDO, Texas — Texas A&M International softball battled throughout Sunday's doubleheader but ultimately fell in both contests to Texas A&M-Kingsville, dropping Game 1, 3-1, and Game 2, 7-5 at Dustdevil Field.
Game 1: TAMUK 3, TAMIU 1
The Dustdevils (8-22) were held to four hits in the opener as Texas A&M-Kingsville used a three-run second inning to secure the win.
After a scoreless first, the Javelinas strung together timely hits in the second, plating three runs on a double and a pair of RBI singles to take control early.
TAMIU's lone run came in the fourth inning when Victoria Espinoza launched a solo home run to cut the deficit to 3-1.
Isabella De Los Santos led the Dustdevils at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Sessy Moreno added a hit and a stolen base.
In the circle, Nevaeh Herrera took the loss, allowing three runs over 5.1 innings, while Celeste Apaez provided 1.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Despite putting runners on late, the Dustdevils were unable to complete the comeback as TAMUK pitcher Andrea Martinez went the distance.
Game 2: TAMUK 7, TAMIU 5
The nightcap saw a late rally from the Dustdevils fall just short as TAMUK completed the sweep with a 7-5 victory.
The Javelinas jumped out early with a four-run first inning, highlighted by a pair of two-run home runs, and added three more in the fourth to build a 7-1 lead.
TAMIU chipped away throughout the game, beginning with an RBI double from Klarisa Martinez in the second inning to get on the board.
Trailing 7-1 entering the seventh, the Dustdevils mounted a strong rally. Ci-hara Wessling, Madison Taylor Gray, and Cecila Saldivar each recorded hits to load the bases before Isabella De Los Santos drove in a run. Victoria Espinoza then delivered a three-run home run to cut the deficit to 7-5.
The comeback effort ended there, however, as TAMUK closed out the game to secure the sweep.
Espinoza led the Dustdevils offensively, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Queenandra Dunn added two hits. TAMIU finished with 11 hits in the contest.
Kylie Goad took the loss in the circle, allowing seven runs over four innings, while Anaya Paredes provided three innings of scoreless relief.
The Dustdevils will look to bounce back as they continue Lone Star Conference play in their next scheduled matchup at home vs. UT Permian Basin.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Victoria Espinoza, senior, is the daughter of Flor Salazar and Cesar Espinoza. She has one brother, Caesar Daniel Espinoza. She is pursuing a degree of Biology.
Espinoza provided the biggest spark for the Dustdevils across both games, blasting a home run in each contest. She totaled four RBI on the day, including a three-run shot in the seventh inning of Game 2 that brought TAMIU within striking distance and highlighted the team's late push.
