SAN ANTONIO — St. Mary's University sophomore
Dillon Lopez managed to get the hardest hit of the cycle in the first inning of the second game against Texas A&M International on Saturday, tripling to right-center, then added a double in the second and a home run in the fifth, missing the cycle by only a single in the team's 18-5 win. In game one, Lopez singled twice in helping the Rattlers win 11-3.
The Rattlers (14-7, 12-7) stretch their winning streak to four straight with the doubleheader sweep, scoring over 10 runs in all four. It is the first time since 2016 the club has scored double digits in four consecutive contests (Jan. 31-Feb. 7).
Lopez, a catcher from San Antonio, wasn't the only Rattler with the hot bat, as the team combined to hit .474 for the day with 11 extra-base hits, including six home runs in the sweep. Five of the home runs came in the second game, marking the first time since April 9, 2016 at Newman the Rattlers have hit five or more in a single contest.
Hogan Heller (San Antonio) led the team with a 6-for-8 day at the plate, scoring four runs, while Lopez was 5-for-9, and senior
Easton Parrish (La Vernia, Texas) was 5-for-8 with six RBIs and six runs scored, hitting two of the team's six long balls. A total of 14 different Rattlers recorded at least one hit over the 14 innings.
The Rattlers' pitching staff also did a great job, limiting the Dustdevils (9-16, 8-15) to a .196 average over the two games and only two extra-base hits in the 10.
Kaleb Gauna (Hondo, Texas) started on the hill in the first game, pitching five innings. He allowed one run on three hits with five walks and three strikeouts.
Derek Maples (San Antonio) had his first collegiate appearance, while sophomore
Brandon Vasquez (Round Rock, Texas) needed only 18 pitches to get through two innings, striking out a pair over the final two innings.
In game two, senior
Javier De Alejandro (San Antonio) pitched six innings to improve to 2-1 on the year. He didn't allow an earned run on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Sophomore
Ryan Romine (San Antonio) worked the seventh inning with no earned runs on one hit and a walk.
The Rattlers and Dustdevils conclude the four-game series on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Dickson Stadium.
