Friday, April 14, 2017

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS — Freshman pitcher Kaylee Rogers tossed most of Friday's Lone Star Conference doubleheader for the Eastern New Mexico University softball team (18-33; LSC 10-17) and allowed just one earned run over 9.1 innings of work. The Hounds were unable to recover from an early deficit and dropped a 14-3 decision to Texas A&M-Kingsville (22-21; LSC 11-11) in the opener, before falling by a 3-0 score in the nightcap.

First Game
In the opener, the Javelinas exploded for 12 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Rogers came on to end the frame, and allowed just a pair of unearned runs the rest of the way. Tiana Faagalulu registered the Hounds first hit of the game in the third inning, when her leadoff single went up the middle of the Texas A&M-Kingsville infield. The Hounds registered five of their eight hits that inning, with Audrey Velasquez's double driving in ENMU's first run of the game. Erikka Burke followed with a two-run double to pull ENMU to within 12-3.

Rogers scattered four hits over 3.1 innings. Faagalulu and Ashley Lopez both batted two-for-three for Eastern, while Samantha Glover added a base hit for the Greyhounds. Sarah Gilbert went the distance to earn the win for the Javelinas.

Game 2
Rogers tossed a complete game in the nightcap and allowed one earned run on seven hits. Haley Boyett took advantage of a Greyhound error while stealing third base in the second inning, and came home with the game's first run. Texas A&M-Kingsville tacked on runs in the third and sixth innings and help on for the win.

ENMU's top threat came in the top of the sixth inning, when Precious Aguirre led off with a single and took second on a sacrifice bunt from Faagalulu. Javelina pitcher Breanna Smith escaped the jam and held on for the win.

Susannah Chandler and Samantha Brockman added base hits for ENMU. Smith scattered four hits to earn the win for Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Up Next
The Eastern New Mexico University softball team will visit Oklahoma Panhandle State for a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday. The first game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. MST.