Vaqueros defeat alumni in inaugural game
Current and former UTRGV baseball players gather for a picture Saturday night at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium. Julian Salazar/Pulse
The Vaqueros baseball team swung themselves a win Saturday in their inaugural game against UTRGV alumni.
The game featured 29 former players of the baseball team coming together to play a friendly game.1,386 fans were in attendance to show their support for both teams, with all proceeds benefiting the baseball program through the Vaqueros Athletic Fund.
Head Coach Derek Matlock said it was fun to see the former players pitching and is glad they decided to come back.
“[I’m] just excited to see all those old Broncs coming here from the 70s and 80s,” Matlock said. “Even our recent guys from last year and the years before, coming all the way back from all over the country to have some pride in what we’re gonna do here.”
The night was also fun for the Vaqueros, who enjoyed the lighthearted game before their season opener this Friday.
Pitcher Víctor Loa said the stadium had a great atmosphere and hopes it continues for the upcoming season.
“I hope everybody’s out there that weekend,” Loa said. “To all the fans, we hope to see you guys out, supporting us.”
Outfielder Damien Whitefield shared the same sentiments as Loa, stating the night was everything he could’ve imagined.
Whitefield said he is expecting a dub for next weekend’s slate of games.
“Kansas has a good team, but we’re gonna be ready for them,” he said.
UTRGV fans were energetic throughout the whole night and some older fans even showed their pride with jerseys from the University of Texas Pan-American.
Constanza Miranda, finance sophomore, said she thought the vibes of the game were great and is looking forward to the rest of the season.
“Everybody’s really friendly, It’s really fun,” she said.
In regards to this weekend’s opener, Loa said he is excited to be back on the mound and is hoping for a victorious outcome.
“Like Matlock phrases, just go out there and be as best as we can be,” Loa said. “So if we can do that as a unit, I feel like we’re gonna have a lot more victories and a longer season this upcoming season.”
The next game for the Vaqueros will be against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at 6:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium in Edinburg.
