Thomasville, GA

University of Houston-Victoria (30-23) topped Talladega College (27-19), 7-4, in game one of the A.I.I. Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at Varnedoe Stadium.

A.I.I. Pitcher of the year, Broc Haymon (8-3) tossed 7 2/3 innings in the victory. The senior from Bridge City, TX allowed three earned runs on six hits while striking out four. UHV center fielder Ryan Gilbert (2-3, R, 2 RBI, BB) drove in two runs for the Jaguars of Houston-Victoria. Talladega starting pitcher James Rodriguez took the loss after allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits in five innings of work. With the Jaguars cruising 7-0, the Tornado's of Talladega made it interesting with one swing of the bat in the bottom of the eighth. TC catcher Jean Ortiz (1-5, R, 3 RBI, HR) drove a pitch over the left field fence for a three run shot that got Talladega back in the game. The Jaguars closer, Pete Ontiveros, shut the door on TC, after relieving Haymon, with 1 1/3 innings of shutout work to preserve the victory.

Houston-Victoria moves into the winners bracket game and will face the winner of #4 TU and #1 California state University - San Marcos tomorrow at 2:30PM. Talladega will play in an elimination game tomorrow at 11AM against the loser of the TU and CSUSM game.