March 8, 2009
After a rough start for UTPA, the Broncs (1-11) earned their first win of the season as they defeated the Islanders 9-3 this Sunday (Mar. 8) afternoon at the Whataburger College Classic at Whataburger Field.
"This is the first win of many here at Pan Am," said head coach Manny Mantrana. "Going into the ninth I thought the same thing going into the first - throw strikes and get outs."
The Broncs were off to another early start against TAMUCC as they put a run on the board in the third as Abraham Garcia singled towards the leftfield line bringing home Andrew Perez.
UTPA put up another run in the fifth as right-fielder Jose Salmon scored on a sacrifice fly by Andrew Perez. The Broncs did allow the Islanders to put up one run in the bottom of the fifth as catcher Stephen Flora homered to left center.
The Broncs recorded a turnaround top of the sixth as they scored six runs on two pitching changes from the Islanders. With two runners on base, first baseman Garrett Bivone scored on a wild pitch by starting pitcher Brandon Orr. The Broncs third run of the evening came from catcher Jordan Rutenbar after Brett Gips, who replaced Orr, walked Jose Salmon.
Ryan Vest earned two RBI's as he singled down the right field line driving in Billy Donaho and Iradier Hernandez. Two batters later, Vest scored on a single to centerfield by Andrew Perez. The Broncs last run in the sixth came from Jose Mendoza as designated hitter Abraham Garcia reached on an error by the pitcher.
TAMUCC then scored in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run homerun by Jacob Perales, but the Broncs scored one more run in the seventh to lead the Islanders 9-3.
Shortstop Andrew Perez finished the contest 3-for-4 with two RBI's and one run, while teammate Iradier Hernandez chipped in with another 3-for-4 performance adding a run. Jose Mendoza finished the evening 2-for-4 driving in one batter with one run.
Starting pitcher Scott Wingo pitched his first complete game of the season with nine strikeouts and one walk.
"He (Wingo) did an outstanding job for us and we are very proud of him," added Mantrana.
The Broncs will return to Corpus as they face TAMUCC in a double-header this coming Tuesday (Mar. 10) with first pitch slated for 1:00 p.m. CT.
UTPA Sports Information
