Late-Inning Surges Propel Jaguars to Sweep Over Eagles in Three-Game Series

VICTORIA, Texas- Texas A&M University-Texarkana was swept this weekend by the nationally ranked Jaguars of University of Houston-Victoria in a hard-fought three-game series, with decisive offensive surges playing a key role in each outcome. In all three games, Texas A&M-Texarkana managed to stay competitive early but struggled to contain explosive innings that ultimately secured victories for their opponent. Despite some solid individual performances at the plate and on the mound, the Eagles were unable to capitalize on key opportunities or hold off late-game rallies.

Game 1 (L, 9-4) 

Texas A&M-Texarkana fought hard against the University of Houston-Victoria Jaguars but fell short in a 9-4 loss after a pivotal seventh inning. The game remained close until the Jaguars broke it open with a six-run surge in the bottom of the seventh. Rafael Gutierrez delivered the decisive blow with a grand slam, putting the game out of reach for the Eagles. Despite a solid relief effort from Marcus Tidwell, he was charged with the loss. Offensively, Jose Parreno was a bright spot for the Eagles, going 3-for-4 at the plate and accounting for half of the team's hits. However, the rest of the Eagles' lineup struggled to generate consistent offense against a dominant Jaguars pitching staff. The Jaguars' pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, stifling the Eagles' scoring opportunities throughout the game. While the Eagles showed resilience early, the Jaguars' explosive seventh inning and Gutierrez's grand slam ultimately sealed the game, leaving Texas A&M-Texarkana unable to mount a comeback.

Game 2 (L, 12-3)

The Jauguars defeated the Eagles 12-3 in game two, pulling away with a decisive seven-run sixth inning. The Eagles managed to stay competitive early, but the Jaguars' offensive explosion in the sixth inning proved to be the turning point. Texas A&M-Texarkana was unable to recover after the big inning, allowing Houston-Victoria to secure a comfortable victory. Despite the loss, the Eagles had some bright spots offensively. Joey Spence and Graydon Martin each recorded two hits, while Freddie Madera had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3. However, the Eagles' efforts were not enough to overcome the Jaguars' late offensive surge.

Game 3 (L,11-9)

Texas A&M-Texarkana's late rally fell short as the Eagles lost a hard-fought game to the nationally ranked jags, 11-9, in the series finale. The Eagles were in control early, but the Jaguars' explosive fifth inning, highlighted by a Rafael Gutierrez grand slam, turned the game in UHV's favor. The Eagles showed resilience and battled back in the later innings. Jonathan Rios went 3-for-5 and homered in the seventh inning to cut into the deficit. Austin Kerns also delivered a strong offensive performance, going 3-for-4 and adding a 2 run home run in the ninth to keep the Eagles' hopes alive. Despite the late offensive push, the Eagles couldn't overcome the damage done in the fifth inning. UHV's timely hitting and Gutierrez's grand slam proved to be the difference, securing the Jaguars' series victory. The Eagles' effort at the plate was commendable, but the Jaguars' big inning ultimately decided the outcome.

Up Next

The Eagles will host the Gold Rush of Xavier University of Louisiana for a RRAC weekend series March 21-22. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday and 12 & 3p.m. on Saturday at George Dobson Field in Texarkana, Texas.