SILVER CITY, N.M. - Texas A&M-Kingsville's softball team put on an offensive clinic in the Land of Enchantment on Saturday afternoon, run-ruling Western New Mexico in both ends of a doubleheader, 10-1 (5 inn.) and 9-1 (5 inn.)
The Javelinas (5-8, 2-3 LSC) posted season highs in runs in both games thanks in large part to six home runs across the two games against the Mustangs (3-13, 1-7 LSC).
"This was just what we needed as a team," said coach Orlando Salinas following his first wins over a Division II opponent. "This trip has given us time to settle in and actually get to know each other and begin really becoming a team. I'm excited about where we are, and we've already taken massive strides in our approach at the plate and the game as a whole. We need to continue to do that, but this team came out today and reminded themselves and everyone else who they really are."
Game 1
The Javelina offensive explosion started in the first inning of the day as Aaliyah Ortiz launched a two out dinger over the left field wall putting TAMUK up 2-0.
The floodgates opened in the next frame as Jory Cervantes scored off a bases-loaded walk, before Ortiz put on an encore performance with a two-out grand slam to put the Javs up 7-0.
In the third, one more Javelina run scored on a Breanna Carr double to left center scoring Natalie Rodriguez who had reached on a fielder's choice.
The Mustangs got one run back on a solo shot in the bottom of the fourth, but the Javelinas responded quickly with back-to-back solo dingers in the top of the fifth by Matisen Onofrei and Rodriguez putting TAMUK up 10-1.
Lizette Del Angel (1-4) finished off the game in the fifth retiring the Mustangs in order from the circle to earn the win throwing a complete game allowing only one run and four hits striking out two batters.
Game 2
The bats did not cool off in the second game of the day for the Javelinas, opening with a seven run first inning.
Carr opened the scoring with an RBI single to right field, Ortiz followed suit with an RBI single of her own scoring Carr making it 2-0 TAMUK.
Later, Ortiz scored on an infield error that would be compounded by another one later that allowed three more runs. Another error by WNMU saw the seventh and final run of the inning come across.
The home run derby picked back up in the second as Kayla Gonzales hit her third home run of the season to lead the inning off. One batter later, Brylee Bilger had a big fly of her own to center field taking the lead to nine.
No more runs came across for three more innings, until the Mustangs pushed for a comeback getting one run across to open the inning with a solo home run, but it was not enough with the game ending after five innings, 10-1.
Carissa De Los Santos (1-2) earned the win in the circle for TAMUK allowing one run on five hits while striking out five batters.
UP NEXT
The Javelinas and Mustangs will wrapup their series on Monday at 11:30 a.m. CT with the game being moved from its original time on Sunday due to weather concerns.
You can keep up with Javelina softball all year long by following @TAMUKSB and @JavelinaSports on both Twitter and Instagram, liking the Javelina Sports Facebook page, subscribing to the Javelina Athletics YouTube Channel and visiting Javelinaathletics.com. Watch your Javelinas live today on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network.
