Feb. 24, 2008

Starting and winning pitcher Cody Cisper led Texas-Pan American to a 9-3 opening victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Saturday night at the Al Ogletree Classic Tournament.

Jumping on the attack early, the Broncs outhit the Islanders 13-9 and grabbed an 8-1 lead that was never threatened. Billy Donano had three rbi's and joined four teammates with two hits each. Jeremy Johnson, Bonham Hough, Jose Mendoza and Nick Spears all nailed two hits.

Cisper allowed six hits but just two runs in 5 1/3 innings. David De Leon worked two innings with one run and Adrian Garza mopped up with no runs allowed while mowing down the last four outs.

There were no homers either way. Four Islander pitchers walked just one batter combined. The Broncs kept pitching too fine on the corners but survived seven walks by giving up only three runs.

The Bronc infield trapped some unwary base-runners with throws and cutoffs that killed possible rallies. Meanwhile of the nine batters, eight got hits, and Nick Spears, Roly Gonzalez, Abraham Garcia and Jeremy Johnson each nailed two hits.

Coach Willie Gawlik went to the mound three times to settle down a first-night pitcher, or replace him, and the Broncs looked as if they were pressing harder than any other team in their seven-team tournament to chase a victory that stubbornly. This strategy did work as they limited multiple threats to three runs.

The Broncs' second game was running late against Stephen F. Austin and probably will miss the morning newspaper deadlines. The tournament ends Sunday with the Broncs meeting Sam Houston State around 8:30 p.m.

Also on Sunday, Lamar plays Illinois at 9 a.m., Texas A&M-Corpus Christi faces Stephen F. Austin at 1 p..m. and Texas State plays Sam Houston State at 5.

UTPA Sports Information