LAREDO, Texas - In game one of their four-game series, the St. Edward's baseball team defeated Texas A&M International 8-7.

After two scoreless innings, Morgan Allen broke the tie with an RBI single to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead. 

In the fourth, the Hilltoppers would put up five runs to extend their lead over the Dustdevils. Stacey Bailey got things started with a solo home run over the left-field wall. Cullen Ainsworth later doubled home a run and advanced to third on a throwing error. Chase Cos would double home a run, and Kyler Kerlin drove home a run on a sacrifice fly to bring the score to 6-0. 

In the sixth, the Dustdevils scored two runs on two RBI singles to bring the score to 6-2. 

In the seventh, Davis Drewek tripled home a run to left field, and he would later score on a sacrifice fly by Cullen Ainsworth. In the bottom of the inning, the Dustdevils scored on a groundout to the shortstop to bring the score to 8-3.  

In the bottom of the ninth, the Dustdevils put up four runs to pull within one, but the Hilltoppers bullpen was able to shut the door on a comeback to secure the win.

Wesley Gafford pitched eight innings giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out five batters. Jayson Flores secured the win on a strikeout with the tying run for the Dustdevils in scoring position.

The Hilltoppers are back in action Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1:30 pm.