Eagle Staff Report

The Dallas Baptist Patriots scored runs in each of the first seven innings to roll to a 12-6 nonconference victory over the fifth-ranked Texas A&M baseball team Thursday night before 3,089 at Olsen Field.

It was the third victory by independent DBU (30-13) over a Top 10 team this season.

"Tonight wasn't so much about what we didn't do but what Dallas Baptist did offensively," A&M coach Rob Childress said. "They were ready to go from the start and got after us. We didn't throw up a zero until the eighth inning, and their pitcher, Jordan Meaker, did an outstanding job. You have to give DBU credit."

Meaker (5-1) went 71/3 innings, allowing nine hits. He struck out seven and didn't walk a batter. Freshman Jared Stafford and senior Tyson Bagley combined to pitch 12/3 innings of relief, allowing no runs on two hits and striking out two.

A&M starter Kirkland Rivers (0-1) lasted only 2-plus innings. He allowed five runs on five hits.

A&M (38-8) scored twice in the second to pull within one. Darby Brown picked up his 50th RBI on a double, scoring Luke Anders who had doubled. Brown scored when DBU shortstop Austin Knight couldn't handle Kevin Gonzalez's chopper.

The Patriots gradually built a 12-2 lead after seven innings.

A&M's Blake Stouffer led off the eighth with a home run to spark a four-run rally. Brown added an RBI single, Brian Ruggiano an RBI double and Brodie Green an RBI groundout.

DBU center fielder Evan Bigley was 4 for 5 as every Patriot starter but one had at least two hits. Right fielder Nick Santos and catcher Brandon Bantz each drove in three runs.

Aggie third baseman Dane Carter was 3 for 5. Brown and Anders each were 2 for 4.

The teams will play again at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

"It's been a long time since we've lost Game 1 of the series [March 7]," Childress said. "We'll come out tomorrow and be ready to compete. They have a very good team, and we're not surprised by that."

Friday will be A&M's annual "Military Appreciation Night."

Veterans will receive two free tickets tand will be honored on the field before the ballgame. Those attending are asked to get to the stadium between 5:45 and 6 p.m.

NOTES -- DBU beat Rice twice this season. ... A&M shortstop Jose Duran extended his hitting streak to 16 games. ... The Aggies lost the series opener to Rutgers on March 7 at home but rebounded to win the series. FSN opted not to televise A&M's home game with Texas on May 18, so first pitch will remain at 1 p.m. A limited number of reserve tickets remain for the game. FSN opted to show Nebraska at Missouri.