NACOGDOCHES, La. – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi baseball team produced two big swings in extra innings Friday night to secure head coach
Scott Malone's 400
th career win at the helm with a 3-1 decision over Central Michigan to open the 2024 season.
The Islanders (1-0) entered a pitcher's dual in regulation with Central Michigan (0-1) as redshirt junior
Matthew Watson got the nod to go 5.1 innings, only allowing the one unearned Chippewas run while striking out nine. Junior
Zach Garcia and senior Sam Felts made appearances in relief to combine for a scoreless 5.2 innings of work.
A&M-Corpus Christi had had nine reach base but it wasn't until junior
Logan Vaughan went yard in the top of the ninth that an Islander rounded home to keep the game going with a 1-1 tie.
The teams remained deadlocked until the 11
th, where the damage ensued. With two outs,
Tucker McEnroe singled to left, setting up
Sebastian Trinidad who doubled down the right line to get both of them in scoring position. Regardless,
Isaac Webb barreled a bases-clearing triple to center to drive in both for the 3-1 lead.
The score would hold up as Feltz posted the three-up, three-down bottom to secure the win for himself and the Islanders.
"The win today was outstanding," said Malone. "I have been telling other coaches that I think this team has a chance to pitch a high level and we did just that today. Matthew, Zach, and Sam really performed at a high level today. Then, Logan and Isaac got the three big RBIs that we needed to get to the finish line. It was a great start to the season."
In addition to the players' credit, Malone achieved his own milestone with win No. 400 now under his belt. He is the first head coach to reach that mark after he became the winningest head coach in program history during the 2014 season.
"Win number 400 just feels like a great accomplishment. My mind has been racing with all of the talented student-athletes that have helped continue the growth of this program. I am proud to have been the leader of Islanders baseball for so many years, more than the wins, and it speaks to the outstanding numbers of coaches and players that have been a part of this family," said Malone.
The win also marks the 19
th year that the Islanders won their season opener, fourth in a row, and 12
th under Malone. A&M-Corpus Christi remains a perfect 4-0 against Central Michigan, all coming under Malone's guidance.
The Islanders will return to the pitch tomorrow with a pair, rematching Central Michigan at 11 a.m. before facing hosts Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m.
Stay Social
For more information on Islanders Baseball, follow the team on Twitter (
@IslandersBSB), Instagram (
@IslandersBSB) and like their Facebook page (
Islanders Baseball).
#ShakasUp
