AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville softball team (3-1) recorded 18 hits on the day in a doubleheader split with St. Edward's (3-5) Tuesday afternoon. The Hilltoppers took the first game 4-3 in eight innings while the Javelinas won game two 5-3 that was called after 6.1 innings because of darkness on Diane Daniels Field.
Carlie Clark and
Stephanie Lugo both had four hits on the day. The first two home runs of the season for the Blue and Gold were hit by
Loren Donaldson and
Valerie Ramirez.
In the circle,
Karri Smith improved to 2-0 while
Bella Rosas (0-1) struck out four in her collegiate debut. Sarah Debrow (2-2) was credited with SEU's victory and Katelyn Klug (1-3) took the loss.
Game 1The Hilltoppers jumped out to a 1-0 lead after the first in part to two errors by the Blue and Gold.
A leadoff double in the second by
Rachael Longoria gave TAMUK hope in tying the game. SEU though got the next three batters out to end the threat.
The Javelinas eventually tied the game in the top of the fourth when Donaldson sent the first pitch of the frame over the left field fence. The homer was the first of collegiate career.
After
Shyenne Hicks reached base on an error by the third baseman to start the fifth, she advanced to third on a single by Clark. Hicks would score to give TAMUK a 2-1 advantage when Clark was caught stealing on a double steal attempt.
The Hilltoppers responded with a run in the bottom of the frame and another in the sixth to take the lead back.
Ramirez answered back with a dinger to left center to begin the seventh to send the game to extra innings tied 3-3.
SEU recorded three straight singles in the eighth that gave them the walk-off win.
Clark led the Javelinas at the plate with two base knocks. Four others recorded hit apiece.
Rosas surrendered four runs on 13 hits in 7.1 innings. She also struck out four to one walk.
Game 2TAMUK scored first in the third that began with Clark singling to right field. Following consecutive sacrifice bunts to move the runner to third,
Haley Boyett hit a RBI triple to center. Donaldson then singled to right to plate a run for a 2-0 lead.
In the sixth, Clark doubled and
Jaeleen Castro then singled to drive in a run each and increase the Javelinas' advantage to four.
The Blue and Gold tacked on another run in the top of the seventh on a RBI single from Lugo.
SEU scored three times in the bottom of the inning and had a runner on third with one out. The umpires though convened and called the game due to darkness, giving the victory to the Javelinas.
Lugo went 4-for-4 at the dish and Boyett was only a homer shy of hitting for the cycle. Castro and Clark both posted a multi-hit game as well.
Smith tossed a complete game as she gave up three runs on seven hits in 6.1 frames.
TAMUK will compete this weekend in the Southeastern Regional Invitational in Durant, Oklahoma. They will play games against Newman, St. Mary's, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southwestern Oklahoma State and Washburn.
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