KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – In what was expected to be a pitching duel, the Texas A&M-Kingsville baseball team overwhelmed visiting seventh-ranked St. Mary’s on Tuesday, 10-1 at Nolan Ryan Field.

The Rattlers (19-5) entered the game ranked as high as #2 in the nation in some publications, but #7 by the NCAA officially recognized Collegiate Baseball poll. They quickly scored an unearned run in the top of the first inning which appeared like it could be trouble for the Javelinas since St. Mary’s has allowed zero or one run in 14 of their games this year.

The Javelinas (10-3) quickly put to rest thoughts of a shutout for the Rattlers by scoring three times in the bottom of the first inning. Jake Mendiola (Kingsville/Richland Northeast HS) and Trent Wagner (Victoria/Memorial HS) each had run-scoring doubles and then Wagner stole home on a beautifully executed double steal with James Wallace (Corpus Christi/Tuloso-Midway HS).

The Hoggies added two more runs in the bottom of the second inning on a two-out, two-run double by Cameron Dullnig (San Antonio/Clark HS). He would add another RBI double in the sixth inning and the rout was on.

The Javelinas finished the game with eight hits and walked seven times. Taylor Taska (Kingwood/Kingwood HS) and Julian Duran (San Antonio/Madison HS) each hit their first home runs of the season in the game. Joe Tallerine (Bellville/Industrial HS) tripled and scored three times in the contest.

The Javelina pitching staff was outstanding as seven pitchers combined to allow four hits, one unearned run and two walks while striking out 10. Adam Aspaas (San Marcos, CA/Mission Hills HS) was credited with the win in 2.0 shutout innings of relief to improve to 3-1 on the season.

Derek Moczygemba took the loss for the Rattlers after allowing six hits, six earned runs and two walks while striking out four in 4.0 innings. He fell to 2-2 on the season. Josh McElroy led the offense with a pair of singles.

The Javelinas are back in action on Friday for the Lone Star Conference opener against #20 Angelo State at 6 p.m.
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