Aggies down UIC 4-3, even series

Texas A&M claimed its first win of the season with a 4-3 victory over the University of Illinois-Chicago on Saturday afternoon at Blue Bell Park. The Aggies — falling Friday night to the Flames 2-0 — evened the three game series, improving to 1-1 on the season.

Offensively, A&M found its rhythm in the fifth inning, scoring three of its four runs. Junior Jace Statum scored the Aggies their first run of the season, driving in sophomore Cole Lankford with a shallow hit down the left field line. Senior Mikey Reynolds followed with a double before junior Krey Bratsen split the infield, scoring two runs and putting A&M up 3-0.

After UIC picked up a run during the sixth inning, cutting the lead to two, the Aggies added a key insurance run in the seventh. Freshman Jonathan Moroney reached first off an infield single and, after being replaced by senior pinch-runner Brandon Wood, was driven in by Reynolds to make the score 4-1.

The Aggie pitching staff, once again, was solid. Behind sophomore starter Daniel Mengden’s (1-0) five and two-thirds innings, UIC connected for only three hits and one run. Junior reliever Jason Jester closed out the game, earning the save.

Texas A&M will finish the home series against the Flames on Sunday afternoon.