LAREDO, Texas — Texas A&M International softball dropped both games of a Friday doubleheader to #13 Oklahoma Christian, falling 6-2 in the opener before a narrow 2-1 loss in the nightcap at Dustdevil Field.
Game 1 - TAMIU 2, OC 6
Oklahoma Christian used a four-run second inning to build an early lead and held off a late push from the Dustdevils for a 6-2 win in the first game of the twinbill.
The Eagles struck first in the second inning, collecting five hits in the frame. A two-RBI hit from catcher Yaerger highlighted the rally as Oklahoma Christian jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
OC added insurance runs later, including a solo home run by Drummond in the fourth inning and another run in the fifth to extend the advantage to 6-0.
TAMIU mounted its only offensive surge in the seventh inning. Krysta Ruiz started the rally with a single and Isabella Perez worked a walk before Victoria Espinoza loaded the bases with an infield hit. Isabella De Los Santos then delivered a two-RBI single to center field to cut the deficit to 6-2.
The Dustdevils could not push another run across as Oklahoma Christian closed out the game.
Ruiz, Espinoza, Queenandra Dunn and De Los Santos each recorded hits for TAMIU.
Game 2 - TAMIU 1, OC 2
Game two turned into a pitching duel, with Oklahoma Christian edging the Dustdevils 2-1.
TAMIU struck first in the second inning when Victoria Espinoza reached base and later scored on an RBI single from Alondra Rodriguez to give the Dustdevils a 1-0 lead.
Oklahoma Christian responded in the third inning, tying the game on an unearned run before taking the lead in the sixth inning on a solo home run by Ki. Brewster.
The Dustdevils threatened late, collecting six hits in the contest, including two from pitcher Nevaeh Herrera, but Oklahoma Christian pitcher Resendiz closed out the game to secure the sweep.
Herrera pitched a complete game in the circle, allowing just two runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Isabella De Los Santos is a freshman 1st baseman for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing. A native of Kingsville, Texas, Isabella is the daughter of Leonor De Los Santos and Thomas De Los Santos and was born on May 29, 2007.
De Los Santos sparked the Dustdevils' offense in the opener, delivering a clutch two-RBI single in the seventh inning to account for both of TAMIU's runs in Game 1. The freshman also added a hit in Game 2, finishing the day with multiple hits while providing key offense late in the twinbill.
