LAREDO, Texas (Baseball) – Zach Smith went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI but two big innings were too much to overcome as Texas A&M University-Kingsville's (6-4) five-game win streak came to an end at Uni-Trade Stadium on Tuesday at the hands of Texas A&M International University (7-7), 7-2.
With the loss, the Javelinas' five-game win streak against the Dustdevils was also snapped, but TAMUK still holds the all-time series edge, 10-7. The win is TAMIU's first versus Kingsville since Feb. 21, 2012.
Shane Veeder (0-1) was charged with the loss after allowing seven runs – six earned – in 4.2 innings.
Will Abbott and
Dean Fleitman came out of the bullpen to combine for 3.1 scoreless innings. Picking up the win for Texas A&M International was left-hander Jared Curnel (1-1). The southpaw struck out six and allowed just two hits in 6.0 innings.
TAMIU scored four runs in the bottom of the second to take a 4-0 lead and added three in the fifth to give Curnel all of the run support he needed.
The Javelinas were able to put a run on the scoreboard after
Blake Johnson pinch hit to begin the eighth and reached on an error. With
Wesley Aguilar at the plate, Johnson came around to score on the shortstop's double down the left field line. Several plays later, Aguilar crossed the plate on an RBI ground out by Smith to cut TAMUK's deficit to 7-2.
Reigning Lone Star Conference Hitter of the Week
Cline Andrews,
Hayden Vesely and Aguilar each reached base safely with a base hit, but the Hogs tallied five hits as a team.
Four players recorded multi-hit games for the Dustdevils, led by designated hitter Connor Belvin's two RBI.
In the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association South Central Region Poll, Texas A&M-Kingsville ranked No. 10 and Texas A&M International did not receive a vote.
The Javelinas look to right the ship when LSC action gets underway this weekend as No. 25/27 West Texas A&M University enters Nolan Ryan Field for a four-game series, beginning on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Live stats will be available for all four games of the series.
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