KINGSVILLE, Texas — Texas A&M International erupted for 17 runs in the opener before dropping the nightcap, splitting a doubleheader against Texas A&M-Kingsville on Friday at Nolan Ryan Field. 

Game 1: TAMIU 17, TAMUK 4

Texas A&M International wasted no time setting the tone, plating five runs in the first inning and never looking back in a dominant 17-4 win.

The Dustdevils racked up 19 hits and scored in six of seven innings, including multi-run frames in the first, second and sixth.

Eddie Saenz led the offensive surge, going 4-for-5 with four runs scored and two RBIs, while Iann Cobos finished 4-for-6 with three RBIs, a double and a triple. Derek Garcia added four RBIs, highlighted by a triple and a home run.

TAMIU built an 8-0 lead through two innings and pushed the advantage to 15-3 by the sixth inning, putting the game out of reach.

On the mound, Fabrizio Salinas earned the win, tossing 4.2 innings with three runs allowed. Billy Winans and Richard Gonzales combined in relief to secure the victory.

Game 2: TAMUK 11, TAMIU 1

In the nightcap, Texas A&M-Kingsville responded with an 11-1 victory, using a five-run second inning to take control early.

The Javelinas added runs in four straight innings and capitalized on eight walks issued by the Dustdevil pitching staff.

TAMIU managed just four hits in the contest, with Giovanni Malatesta leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance. Derek Garcia scored the lone run for the Dustdevils.

Angel Larranaga was charged with the loss after allowing four runs in 1.2 innings.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Eduardo "Eddie" Saenz is a Senior Infielder for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology Exercise Science. A native of Laredo, Texas, he is the son of Eduardo and Angel Saenz and was born September 19, 2003.

Saenz powered the Dustdevils offensively in Game 1, going 4-for-5 with four runs scored and two RBIs, setting the tone in a 17-run outburst.