LAFAYETTE, La. - Javelina softball wrapped up play at the Mardi Gras Invitational on Sunday, going 1-1, losing their first game to (RV) Southern Arkansas, 6-2 before defeating Southeastern Oklahoma State, 6-2.
The day saw junior Beth Montes pick up her second win of the 2023 campaign going six innings allowing only two runs and six hits while striking out four SEO batters in the Javelina win.
Game 1: Southern Arkansas – 4, Texas A&M-Kingsville – 2
SAU jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, with an RBI double and single to take a 2-0 lead.
The Javs looked to respond immediately getting the bases loaded in the bottom of the first, but were unable to get any runs across.
TAMUK did even the score in the second, as Natalie Rodriguez singled to center field scoring Hailey Vess from second. Two batters later, Yaya Kaaialii singled to center to bring Rodriguez across evening the score at 2-2.
The Muleriders took the lead for good in the top of the fourth with an RBI single to left, and then a fielder's choice that brought another run across in the sixth, bringing the score to 4-2.
TAMUK's rally efforts in the seventh saw the Javs get runners to second and third, but they were unable to capitalize.
Lizette Del Angel (0-4) took the loss for TAMUK going a complete seven innings allowing four runs on 12 hits while striking out four batters.
Sydney Ward got the win for the Muleriders, throwing a complete game allowing two runs on eight hits, striking out two and walking one.
Game 2: Texas A&M-Kingsville – 6, Southeastern Okla. State – 2
TAMUK would be the ones with the fast start in its second game of the day, scoring three runs in the first inning. After the first two Javelina batters reached base, Kayla Gonzales hit a bases-clearing triple to center field giving the Javs a 2-0 lead.
Aaliyah Ortiz ensured Gonzales would not be stranded then singling up the middle to bring Gonzales home pushing the lead to three.
While Beth Montes dominated in the circle for the Blue and Gold, freshman Brylee Bilger brought Gonzales in from third in the second inning capitalizing on an SEO error in the outfield.
Ortiz picked up her second RBI of the day in the top of the fourth with an RBI single to center to score Gonzales once again giving TAMUK a 5-0 lead.
Later in the sixth, Rodriguez scored on an SEO error to take the score to 6-0.
The Storm got two runs back in the bottom half of the sixth, with a two-RBI single to right, but they were unable to conjure up anymore offense as the Javelinas took the 6-2 win.
Montes earned the win lasting lasted six innings, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out four and walking zero.
Carissa De Los Santos threw the final inning in relief out of the bullpen striking out two of the four batters she faced.
Amberlyn Walsworth took the loss for Southeastern Oklahoma State. The hurler surrendered five runs on nine hits over five innings, striking out two.
UP NEXT
The Javelinas will now travel to Canyon, Texas for the West Texas Invitational, Feb. 10-12 where they will face Colorado Mesa, Fort Lewis, and New Mexico Highlands.
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 Javelina Sports Network.
