UTRGV Vaqueros Triumph Over New Orleans Privateers in Thrilling Baseball Showdown
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – In an exciting game at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros baseball team secured a significant series victory against the New Orleans Privateers, winning 8-6 before an enthusiastic crowd of 4,121 fans.
Stellar Performances by Vaqueros
Leading the charge for the Vaqueros (7-8, 2-3 SLC) was junior PSJA alum Julius Ramirez, who put on a spectacular performance. Ramirez not only went 2-for-4 at the plate but also smashed a home run and achieved a personal best with four RBIs. Fellow junior Easton Moomau contributed significantly, going 2-for-3 with a career-high of two doubles and adding a run to the scoreboard.
The Vaqueros’ lineup was further bolstered by senior Thomas Williams, who delivered a commendable 3-for-3 performance that included a triple, along with a walk, an RBI, and a run scored. Additionally, junior Rocco Garza Gongora added two hits with two runs scored.
Game Highlights
The game kicked off with the Vaqueros striking first. They managed to scratch across a run in the first inning when a passed ball allowed junior Armani Raygoza to score, putting the team ahead 1-0.
The Privateers (6-9, 1-4 SLC) responded in the third inning with a crucial two-out RBI-single by Owen Smith, leveling the score at 1-1. However, the Vaqueros quickly regained control in the bottom of the third. Ramirez blasted a two-run home run to center field, followed by Moomau’s double and Williams’ RBI-triple, extending their lead to 4-1.
The following inning, the Vaqueros kept the momentum going. They loaded the bases before Ramirez delivered another strong hit, an RBI-single, pushing the score to 5-1.
Late-Game Drama
The intensity of the game heightened in the seventh inning when Privateer Kruise Newman launched a three-run home run, narrowing the gap to just one run at 5-4. However, the Vaqueros managed to swing the momentum back in their favor, as senior Hank Warren hit an RBI-single in the seventh, followed by an error in the eighth that led to another run, making it 8-4.
In the ninth inning, Newman struck again, hitting another two-run home run. Despite this surge, junior Kike Cienfuegos entered the game as a relief pitcher and displayed poise, striking out both batters he faced to earn his first save of the season.
Upcoming Game and Promotions
The exhilarating series between UTRGV and New Orleans wraps up on Sunday at 1 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. This game is touted as Family Fun Day, where fans can enjoy a package of four general admission tickets, four drinks, and four hot dogs for just $44. The game also marks Community Heroes Day, in collaboration with Driscoll Children’s Hospital, offering free tickets to veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, nurses, and 911 dispatchers.
Additionally, it’s Texas Regional Bank Card Day, where fans with a Vaqueros Debit Card can gain free general admission.
Tickets and Live Broadcast
Fans eager to attend can purchase tickets at UTRGVTickets.com. Current UTRGV students can enjoy free admission by obtaining a digital ticket at GoUTRGV.com/StudentTickets while presenting their student ID.
For those unable to attend in person, the game will be available for domestic viewing on ESPN+ and internationally via the Southland Network.
This exciting matchup promises to bring thrilling baseball action that fans won’t want to miss! For further updates and information on game day, including parking and policies, visit RallyTheValley.com.
