WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Texas A&M International picked up a key Lone Star Conference doubleheader sweep over Midwestern State on Friday, edging the Mustangs 3-2 in extra innings in Game 1 before securing another 3-2 victory in Game 2 at Mustangs Park.
Game 1: TAMIU 3, MSU 2 (8 innings)
The Dustdevils needed extra innings to take the opener, using a clutch swing from Victoria Espinoza to break a late tie.
Espinoza delivered the decisive moment in the top of the eighth, launching a solo home run to left-center to give TAMIU a 3-2 lead. TAMIU had earlier tied the game in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Isabella Perez after falling behind 2-1 in the third.
Nevaeh Herrera set the tone in the circle, tossing 7.1 innings while allowing just two runs on eight hits to earn the win. Madison Taylor Gray closed the door in the eighth, striking out two to secure the save.
Offensively, TAMIU finished with six hits, with Espinoza driving in a run and scoring the game-winner, while Queenandra Dunn added a pair of hits.
Game 2: TAMIU 3, MSU 2
The Dustdevils completed the sweep with another tightly contested win in Game 2, using timely hitting and a strong outing from Kylie Goad.
TAMIU struck first in the fourth inning when Espinoza doubled home Dunn to make it 1-0. The Dustdevils added a run in the sixth on an RBI double from Dunn before pushing across the go-ahead run in the seventh on an RBI single by Sessy Moreno.
Midwestern State tied the game with two runs in the sixth, but TAMIU responded in the next frame to reclaim the lead.
Goad delivered a complete-game effort, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven to earn the win.
The Dustdevils totaled nine hits in the nightcap, with Moreno (2-for-3, RBI), Dunn (2-for-4, RBI), and Espinoza (2-for-4, RBI) leading the offense.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Victoria Espinoza came up clutch throughout the twin bill, highlighted by her go-ahead home run in extra innings in Game 1. She also delivered an RBI double in Game 2 and consistently sparked the offense in both wins.
