Baseball Opens Season with Dramatic Doubleheader Split

TEXARKANA, Texas – The Texas A&M University–Texarkana baseball team opened the 2026 season with an electric doubleheader against Central Christian College on Friday afternoon at George Dobson Field, splitting the twin bill with a walk-off victory in game one before dropping a tightly contested nightcap.

Game 1: Texas A&M University–Texarkana 14, Central Christian College 13

The Eagles opened the season in dramatic fashion, walking off Central Christian 14–13 in a back-and-forth contest that featured consistent offense from both sides.

After the Tigers struck early, TAMUT answered in the bottom of the first inning with four runs on four hits from four different Eagles to quickly even the score. The Eagles were held scoreless in just one inning, trading the lead throughout the game as both offenses remained aggressive.

Central Christian continued to apply pressure late, but TAMUT stayed within striking distance and tied the game in the bottom of the eighth when a pitching error allowed Rian Cellers to steal home.

With the score tied at 13–13 in the bottom of the ninth, Jason Armendariz put the ball in play and reached first on a fielder's choice, allowing Michael Caputo to score and beat the tag at the plate to secure the walk-off win.

Connor Brady picked up the win in relief, tossing a scoreless inning with a strikeout to move to 1–0 on the season.

Jayce Blalock led the Eagles offensively, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI, while also robbing a home run in left field to keep TAMUT within reach late. Austin Kerns delivered a standout performance, driving in five runs and homering as part of a two-bomb day.

"Getting the first win out of the way for the season was huge for us," said head coach Chase Brewster. "I was proud of Austin Kerns—he didn't miss a beat from last year hitting two home runs today. Connor Brady was phenomenal at the end of game one, and Jayce Blalock going 4-for-4 while robbing a home run in left field kept us in the game long enough to get that win late."

Game 2: Central Christian College 16, Texas A&M University–Texarkana 15

The nightcap proved just as entertaining, with the Eagles rallying multiple times before ultimately falling 16–15.

Central Christian opened the scoring with a four-run third inning, but TAMUT responded quickly. A two-run home run by Colton Wombles helped swing momentum as the Eagles battled back behind key hits from Ahmar Donatto, Austin Kerns, and CJ Richard.

The Eagles carried a 13–9 lead into the eighth inning following a productive bottom of the seventh. The inning was sparked by a solo home run from Kerns, followed by a run on a defensive error and a double from Donatto.

Defensive miscues in the top of the eighth, however, proved costly, as Central Christian scored six runs to regain the lead. Despite a late push in the ninth, TAMUT was unable to complete the comeback.

CJ Richard paced the Eagles offensively, going 3-for-6 with three runs scored, while Donatto finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs, highlighted by three doubles.

"CJ Richard really set the tone for us all day in the leadoff spot," Brewster said. "He had seven stolen bases on the day and added five hits, which was great to see. Ahmar Donatto hitting three doubles in game two was a big highlight offensively, and Camden Gamble was great again out of the bullpen."

Despite the split, the Eagles showcased their offensive depth, scoring 29 runs across the doubleheader.

"Hopefully we can keep scoring close to thirty runs every doubleheader—that was fun to be a part of," Brewster added. "I have no doubt that we'll pitch better over time. Our pitching staff is really talented, and today was uncharacteristic. You have to credit Central Christian—they swung it very well all day and made us work hard on the mound."

Texas A&M University–Texarkana will look to build on the offensive momentum as the series continues.

Baseball returns to action next Tuesday, January 27, as the Eagles host John Melvin for a doubleheader at George Dobson Field. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 12 p.m., with game two to follow.

Follow @TAMUT_Athletics for updates, series coverage, and more, or visit tamuteagles.com.