March 29, 2008

Texas A&M International University and UT-Permian Basin split a Heartland Conference doubleheader on Saturday in Odessa. UTPB took the opener 9-6 before the Dustdevils bounced back for a 4-2 win in game two.

TAMIU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning in the opener with Victoria Beltrán contributing a RBI single before Janelle Ruiz was hit by pitch with the bases loaded. The Dustdevils would take a 3-0 lead on a RBI single by Ryanne Chapman in the top of the third before UTPB jumped ahead 6-3 with three runs apiece in the third and fourth innings.

The Dustdevils would tie the score 6-6 on solo home run by Beltrán in the top of the sixth inning but the Falcons secured the win with three runs in the bottom of that frame.

Courtney Smith (1-6) took the loss for the Dustdevils . She struck out four batters and allowed 14 hits in 6.0 innings.

TAMIU (12-18, 8-2 Heartland) scored two runs in the top of the first in the second game as well. Beltrán contributed a RBI single before Gretel Trejo scored on a fielder's choice ground ball by Ruiz.

UTPB (6-20, 1-9 Heartland) scored two runs in the second before the Dustdevils secured the win with a two run fifth inning. Chapman started the scoring in that frame with a one out solo home run before Marissa Jiménez provided a insurance run with a RBI single up the middle.

Beltrán (7-5) picked up the win for the Dustdevils after allowing two runs on seven hits in a complete game 7.0 inning outing.

The Dustdevils and Falcons will complete the series with a doubleheader on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for noon.