Aggies Drives UC Irving, 9-2, at Houston College Classic

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2009 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 27, 2009) In the first game of the 2009 Houston College Classic, action got underway with top ranked Texas A&M Aggies facing off against # 5 University of California at Irvine.

The Aggies (6-1), showed why they are rank number one in the country by Baseball America, exploding for seven hits in the top of the sixth inning, to defeat UC Irvine 9-2 to give the Anteaters their second loss of the season.

The Aggies’ slug fest were lead by Luke Anders who when 3-5 with one run and four RBIs to raise his average for the season to .385. Nick Anders, Luke’s younger brother, also added to the offensive production, going 2-4 with two runs.

UC Irvine starting pitcher Daniel Bibona had trouble on the mount, giving up seven hits and five runs, all earned, while striking out six and walking two. He was pulled, after 5 1/3 innings of work and replaced by Matt Dafour who did not fair much better. He pitched 2/3 innings, giving up three hits, 3 earned runs while walking two.

Brooks Raley was credited with the win for the Aggies, raising his season record to 2-0. He gave up five hits, two earned runs, while striking out two and walking four. He finished the day with a 2.25 ERA.

Bobina was given the loss and the Aggies’ Kyle Thebeau, after pitching three complete innings was credited with the save.

The Aggies will face off against the Rice Owls on Saturday night at 7:00 pm while the Anteaters will meet Houston in the 12 noon game on Saturday.

All action is played at Minute Maid Park, home of the 2005 National League Champion Houston Astros.