LAREDO – St. Edward's extended its winning streak to six games with a pair of wins in a doubleheader against Texas A&M International on Saturday at Jorge Haynes Field. The Hilltoppers won the opening game, 5-2, and then clinched the series sweep with a 9-4 victory in the nightcap.
St. Edward's improved to 25-25 overall and 11-10 in Heartland Conference action to close out the regular season.
The Hilltoppers will wait for the conclusion of the Oklahoma Christian/Rogers State series to find out if they will clinch a playoff spot. The Eagles and Hillcats split a doubleheader on Saturday. If Rogers State wins the rubber game on Sunday then St. Edward's will clinch the fourth seed in the upcoming conference tournament. A win by Oklahoma Christian on Sunday, however, will keep the Hilltoppers out of the playoffs. The Eagles and Hillcats will play at 1 p.m. Sunday in Claremore, Okla.
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GAME ONE RECAP
St. Edward's scored four runs in the opening inning, including three on a double by
JACOB VASQUEZ, to take control of the first game of the day.
The 'Toppers added one more tally in the fifth on
ZACH SHEPHERD's RBI single.
RYAN HILL allowed only four hits over 6.2 stanzas to improve to 7-3 on the season.
KOEHLER VANDAMENT came on to record the final out and picked up his fifth save of the season.
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GAME TWO RECAP
St. Edward's scored in each of the first four innings to pull away from the Dustdevils en route to a five-run victory.
The Hilltoppers broke a 3-3 tie in the third when Shepherd scored on an error.
SEU added three runs in the following panel, including two on
MORGAN ALLEN's single through the middle of the infield.
The 'Toppers picked up two insurance runs in the seventh.
RYAN MCPHAIL scored on a wild pitch, while Shepherd hit an RBI double to left field.
COOPER BAILEY (4-3) earned the win in relief. The righty gave up one run on two hits and three walks in 3.1 innings out of the bullpen.
JACOB MCROBERTS hurled four scoreless frames to finish out the game and earn his first save of the season.
#FearTheGoat
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