MAGNOLIA – The SAU Softball team played their first games inside the Dr. Margaret Downing Softball Complex since January 30
th today, welcoming in #18 Texas A&M-Kingsville for a pair of games.
Both offenses erupted in game one, with the visitors putting three runs on the board in the top of the first before the Muleriders responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the second.
Elisa Favela hit her second homerun of the season, a solo shot, to lead off the frame.
Jaxynn Dyson then reached after being hit by a pitch, and the bases were loaded after walks to
Sarah Evans and
McKennah Sikes, making her first start of the season at first base.
Alese Casper singled up the middle to drive in a pair of runs and tie the game up.
The Javelinas then scored a single run in both the third and fourth innings to make their lead two, with the Muleriders tying the game in the bottom of the sixth.
A Sikes walk and a Casper bunt single put two runners on, and
Alyssa Miller moved them both over with a sacrifice bunt.
Leadoff hitter
Laina Suesue singled to drive in a run and
Christina Hill hit a sacrifice fly to score Casper and tie the game.
The Javelinas would hit a two-run homerun in the top of the seventh to take the game, despite the Muleriders having the bases loaded with only one out in the final frame.
Victoria Taylor started this game before getting chased after 2.2 innings pitched. Favela pitched the final 4.1 innings, taking her first loss of the season.
All of the offense appeared to have been used in game one, with game two seeing both teams combining for only five hits.
The first hit of the game didn't come until the fourth inning, when Favela doubled down the left field line to put runners at second and third and no outs.
Dyson would drive in the maiden run for the game, as runner
Faith Otts scored on an error by the Javelinas shortstop.
Dyson would then double the lead with a solo homerun in the sixth inning to give the Muleriders an all-important insurance run.
Sydney Wader picked up her first win of the season inside the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout while only allowing three hits and three walks while striking out six.
The Muleriders are 6-3 on the season. They return to action this weekend in Ada against East Central in a three-game set.