AUSTIN, Texas (Softball) – Texas A&M University-Kingsville (6-5) came close to ending Wednesday afternoon with two victories against a South Central Regional opponent but St. Edward's University (7-5) defeated the Javelinas 3-2 in eight innings in game one and 9-7 in game two at Diane Daniels Field.
Game OneFree softball for the fans Diane Daniels Field as Kingsville rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the fourth to tie the game and force extra innings. In the bottom of the eighth, the Hilltoppers were able to score a run to take game one, 3-2.
Rachael Longoria went 2-for-3 and
Ariana Munoz recorded a two-run double to tie the game at 2-2.
Carlie Clark threw 5.0 innings of two-run ball in the no-decision and
Karri Smith (1-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing an unearned run in 2.2 innings. Lauren Slatten (4-3) was credited with the win for St. Edward's after punching out 11 in 8.0 innings.
The Hilltoppers scored a run in the second and added one in the third to take a 2-0 lead. Munoz knotted the game up at 2-2 with one swing of the bat, plating two with an opposite field double.
Small ball allowed the Hilltoppers to take game one, 3-2, as SEU scored on an error with the bases loaded.
Game TwoLongoria finished game two 2-for-4 and
Haley Boyett scored two runs from the leadoff spot but the Hilltoppers upended the Javelinas, 9-7, in game two.
TAMUK put up a six-spot in the top of the first on three hits and two bases loaded walks. St. Edward's answered back with two runs in the first and two in the second to cut its deficit to 6-4.
Kingsville added a run in the sixth but the Hilltoppers scored five in the bottom half to take the game and series with a 9-7 win.
Sarah Gilbert (1-2) was charged with the loss in game two after coming in relief. Slatten came out of the 'pen to throw 3.0 innings and pick up her fifth win of the season, improving to 5-3 on the year.
The Javelinas begin Lone Star Conference play Feb. 26 when they host Angelo State University.
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