LAREDO, Texas (Feb. 15, 2020) – Abe Spencer and Blake Empkey each delivered a two-run hit and Brent McDonald picked up the pitching win in his first start of the baseball season, giving Oklahoma Christian a 7-4 win and a split of its doubleheader against Texas A&M International on Saturday.

TAMIU won the opener 9-2. OC will go for a win in the four-game series against the Dustdevils at Jorge Haynes Field starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Spencer's two-run double to right-center keyed a four-run third inning for OC (2-7, 2-7 Lone Star Conference), with Julien Ly also contributing a RBI single in the inning. After TAMIU (3-6, 3-6) pulled within 5-3 with a two-run sixth inning, Empkey hit a two-run single in the seventh, scoring Ly and Austin McCain to provide insurance for the Eagles.

McDonald (1-1), a junior right-hander, pitched 5 2/3 innings for OC and allowed eight hits. TAMIU starter Justin Rumley (0-1) lasted only 2 1/3 innings in taking the loss.

The Dustdevils dominated the opener, jumping on OC starter Hayden Boyd (0-1) for seven hits and five runs (two earned) in two innings. Meanwhile, TAMIU starter Abanny Garcia (1-0) pitched a complete game, allowing only six hits.