Baseball Battles to Runner-Up Finish at RRAC Championship

SHREVEPORT, La. - The Texas A&M University-Texarkana baseball team was one of four teams who competed this weekend at the RRAC Championships final site at LSU Shreveport's Pilot Field. The Eagles entered the RRAC Championships as the No. 6 seed, and after upsetting No. 5 LSU Alexandria in the best-of-three opening round series, advanced to the next round. The Eagles got hot at the right time and, after a thrilling late-night upset of the No. 1 seeded Jaguars of Texas A&M–Victoria, advanced to the championship to face the returning RRAC Tournament Champions, the Pilots of LSUS.

Game 1: TAMUT 1, LSUS 5
Texas A&M Texarkana opened the tournament against a tough LSU Shreveport squad, dropping a 5-1 decision. The Eagles were limited to five hits on the day, with James Provencio driving in the lone run and collecting two hits at the plate.
On the mound, the pitching staff combined to allow just four hits, but nine walks and a pair of hit batters gave LSUS too many opportunities. The Pilots capitalized with timely situational hitting, including a two-RBI single in the fourth that helped extend their lead.
Despite the result, the Eagles kept the game within reach late behind solid relief work from the bullpen.

Game 2: TAMUT 5, OLLU 2
The Eagles bounced back with a strong all-around performance, defeating Our Lady of the Lake 5-2. Austin Kerns sparked the offense early with a solo home run and later added a sacrifice fly, finishing with two RBIs.
Tobin Jones provided a key moment with a two-run homer in the sixth, while Michael Caputo recorded multiple hits and an RBI. The Eagles totaled 11 hits and executed well in run-scoring situations, adding insurance runs late.
On the mound, Matthew Hart delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just two runs on seven hits while striking out seven to earn the win.

Game 3: TAMUT 10, TAMUV 9
In one of the most dramatic games of the season, the Eagles rallied from an eight-run deficit to defeat Texas A&M–Victoria 10-9. After trailing 9-1 entering the seventh inning, TAMUT mounted a furious comeback, scoring nine runs across the final three innings.
Tobin Jones led the offensive surge with three hits and three RBIs, while Ahmar Donatto added three hits and scored a run from the leadoff spot. Jayce Blalock and Austin Kerns each drove in multiple runs as the lineup came alive late.
The Eagles sealed the comeback in the ninth inning, taking advantage of defensive miscues and delivering clutch hits to complete the walk-off victory and cap the tournament on a high note.

Head Coach Chase Brewster reflected on the defining moment, saying, "I was so proud of them for not giving up. Not only this weekend, but all season. The comeback win against TAMUV is one that they'll remember forever. To be down 9-1 and win 10-9 is something that doesn't happen often. I think that was the story of our season, to never give up."

Game 4: TAMUT 6, LSUS 17
In the RRAC Championship game, Texas A&M–Texarkana battled offensively but ultimately fell to LSU Shreveport, 17-6. The Eagles totaled 10 hits and drew six walks, with Austin Kerns leading the way with three hits and two RBIs, while Tanner Duncan added a pair of RBIs and Tobin Jones delivered a solo home run. Jayce Blalock scored twice and collected two hits, and Ahmar Donatto reached base multiple times and scored two runs to help pace the lineup.
After LSUS built an early lead, the Eagles responded with a three-run fifth inning and added two more in the sixth to cut into the deficit at 11-6. However, the Pilots used a late surge, including a five-run ninth inning, to pull away.

"Obviously it's not the ending that we wanted, but you have to give LSUS credit," Brewster said. "They were number one in the polls for most of the season for a reason. We were 19-5 in our last 24 games, and unfortunately four of those losses are to them. For the six seed to play in the conference tournament championship is a testament to our kids and their belief in each other all year." He added, "Unfortunately, we ran out of innings left to play at the end of the championship game."

The Eagles had two players earn RRAC All-Tournament Team honors, as Tobin Jones (OF) and Ahmar Donatto (SS) were recognized for their standout performances. Donatto also took home the RRAC Tournament Hustle Award. Brewster praised his team's individual efforts, saying, "Ahmar and Tobin made the all-tournament team, so I was super proud of them for that. They've had great years and deserve everything they get. Austin and Jayce played as good as anyone in college baseball this weekend, and what Matthew did was legendary. It was fun to see all the hard work the players put in all season pay off for them at the end."

He also credited the staff behind the scenes, adding, "None of this happens without our assistants and their hard work all year. The players bought in to them and it was special this year because of that. Coach Elliott, Forte, Rios, Velasco, and Wagoner were unbelievable all year."

Baseball concludes the season with a 31-25 overall record (14-13 RRAC). Along the way, the Eagles set multiple program records and secured several marquee wins against ranked opponents. TAMUT now awaits its postseason fate, as the NAIA National Championship Selection Show will determine if the Eagles advance to the Opening Round. The selection show is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 at 4 p.m. CT.