COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Interstat) — The stark contrast between two programs heading in opposite directions was on full display Friday afternoon at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park. The Texas A&M Aggies, boasting one of the nation’s most potent offenses, erupted for eight runs in the first two innings and cruised to a 10-2 victory over the struggling Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the opener of a doubleheader.

A crowd of 5,029 watched the Aggies (13-1) batter three Oakland pitchers in the early going, sending 11 men to the plate in a five-run first inning and never looking back. The Golden Grizzlies (1-13), mired in a lengthy slump, saw their losing streak reach five games.

The most important part of the game was undoubtedly the Aggies’ immediate and overwhelming offensive onslaught in the bottom of the first inning, which effectively decided the contest before many fans had settled into their seats. Oakland starter Camden Cooper recorded just one out and was charged with five runs, all earned, without allowing a hit, as he struggled profoundly with command. He walked three batters and hit another before being relieved.

Stephen Ruhle entered with the bases loaded and one out but could not stop the bleeding. After a sacrifice fly by Zane Becker brought home one run, Ruhle walked two more batters, forcing in another, before being pulled himself. In total, the Aggies scored their five first-inning runs on just two hits — a double by leadoff man Kellen Kiel II and a pivotal two-run single through the right side by shortstop Boston Kellner.

The Aggies’ assault continued in the second inning. Third baseman Gavin Grahovac launched a solo home run to center field. After a walk, Kellner struck the decisive blow, a two-run homer to left-center off Ruhle, extending the lead to 8-0 and cementing his standout day. Kellner finished 2-for-4 with the home run and four RBIs.

Following the rocky start, Oakland found a measure of stability in reliever Blake Sehlke. The right-hander delivered a critical performance, throwing 4 2/3 innings of hitless, shutout baseball. He allowed just one earned run, which was inherited, walked one and struck out one. His effort prevented a complete blowout and saved the Golden Grizzlies’ bullpen ahead of the second game of the twin bill.

Oakland’s offense, which managed only six hits, broke through in the fourth inning when Brandon Patton hit a solo home run to right-center off Aggies starter James Moss. They added a second run in the eighth against reliever Hunter Vincent. Sam Clark singled, stole second, and scored on a two-out RBI single by Brandon Schuck.

Texas A&M added single runs in the sixth and eighth innings to reach double digits. In the sixth, Kiel II singled, advanced to third on a double by Jace Sorrell, and scored on Grahovac’s sacrifice fly. In the eighth, Sawyer Farr doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a fielder’s choice by Sorrell. Farr and Nico Partida each had two of the Aggies’ 11 hits.

After Sehlke exited, the Aggies’ bullpen closed the door. Gavin Lyons worked a perfect seventh inning, striking out one. Vincent allowed one run on two hits in the eighth, striking out three. The Aggies turned three double plays in the game, stifling any potential Oakland rallies.

The victory continued Texas A&M’s dominant start to the season, while Oakland’s difficult opening month persisted. The two teams were set to meet again immediately for the second game of the doubleheader.