LAREDO, TEXAS - UT Tyler baseball took a commanding 3-0 series lead on Saturday afternoon after a doubleheader sweep in Laredo.

GAME ONE

UT Tyler secured a 9-1 victory over Texas A&M International at Jorge Haynes Field in Laredo, Texas, in game one on SaturdayThe matchup featured the Patriots scoring in three innings, including a four-run sixth, while the Dustdevils managed their lone run in the fifth inning.

In the first inning, the Patriots started strong with Mason Hammonds, Cade Conway, and Drew Schmidt each contributing singles that led to early runs. Kyle Atkinson added to the lead with a double to left center, bringing home another runner. By the end of the inning, the Patriots had scored three runs on six hits.

In the second inning, the Patriots continued to capitalize on offensive opportunities. After Hammonds singled, Conway reached on a fielder's choice, and Schmidt's single followed to set the stage for two unearned runs, extending their lead to 5-0.

The fifth inning saw Texas A&M-International score their only run of the game. A single and a sacrifice fly brought a runner home, narrowing the score to 5-1.

In the sixth inning, Texas-Tyler's offense surged again. Bryce Jewell connected a three-run homer, driving in Brock Bearden and Justin Williams. This four-run inning solidified the Patriots' commanding lead, ending the game with a 9-1 victory.

Jewell led the team with three RBIs and a home run. Kyle Atkinson contributed with two RBIs and a double, and Cade Conway scored two runs and recorded one hit. 

K. Froehlich pitched 4 1/3 innings in the start, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three batters. He threw 77 pitches, 52 of which were strikes, and managed to keep the Dustdevils to just one run. Jacob Hadden relieved Froehlich, pitching the final 2 2/3 innings and giving up three hits and no walks, with one strikeout. Together, the pitching staff allowed just one unearned run throughout the game.

GAME TWO

UT Tyler earned a 9-4 victory over Texas A&M International in the second game of the day on Saturday. The game saw the Patriots amass 11 hits and take advantage of seven walks and a pair of errors. The Patriots scored twice in the first inning and added five runs in the second, setting a strong early lead. 

Mason Hammonds scored on a single by Justin Williams and Tanner Hornback crossed the plate on a fielder's choice by Bryce Jewell. The Dustdevils were unable to respond as they were held scoreless in the bottom half of the inning.

The second inning saw the Patriots extend their lead significantly by adding five runs to the scoreboard. The inning was highlighted by a solo home run from Bo Willis. The scoring continued with Brock Bearden and Hammonds both reaching home plate on a groundout and an RBI single, while Kyle Atkinson and Justin Williams also contributed with RBIs. The Dustdevils failed to score yet again in the home half, maintaining a 7-0 deficit.

In the third inning, the Patriots added yet another run, making it 8-0, as Bearden scored on a groundout by Hornback. The Dustdevils continued to struggle offensively, putting up their third straight zero on the board. 

In the home half of the sixth, the Dustdevils finally found their offense, scoring three runs via a pair of RBI singles and an RBI walk to cut into the lead. 

In the seventh inning, UT Tyler secured their final run when Hammonds scored on a single by Atkinson, bringing the score to 9-3. Despite the Dustdevils' attempt to rally with a run in the bottom of the inning, the Patriots pitching closed the game efficiently, resulting in a 9-4 victory.

Kyle Atkinson contributed significantly with two hits, two RBIs, and one stolen base on the night.  Justin Williams added three hits, one RBI, and a stolen base, and Mason Hammonds scored three runs from the leadoff spot. 

D. Blomquist delivered a strong performance, pitching 5 innings with no earned runs, allowing three hits, and striking out three batters while walking three. That effort earned him the win on the day, moving his season record to 2-1.

UT Tyler will now wrap up their weekend series with the Dustdevils on Sunday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m.