Box Score PORTALES, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico softball team opened up their final home series of the 2019 schedule with a 6-1 loss at the hands of #22 Tarleton State on Thursday evening.

The Greyhounds hung tough with Tarleton State on Teacher/Staff Appreciation Night aside from a tough top half of the sixth inning that pushed the TexAnns ahead with five runs in the frame. The Greyhounds up to that point kept the Tarleton State offense in check thanks to a phenomenal first five innings from senior Kimberly Herron.

The senior surrendered just one run in the top of the first inning despite loading the bases with no outs and then proceeded to work through the TexAnn lineout without any major threats throughout the next four frames. Sophomore Iliana Mendoza made Herron's effort in the circle count by evening up the score in the bottom of the second with a two-out single that scored senior Karina Moreno, who got on base by way of a hit by pitch.

Mendoza was one of five different Greyhounds to record a hit in the contest.

Tarleton State finally broke the pitcher's duel in the top of the sixth with five runs all credited to Herron. Senior Hanna Gary came on in relief midway through the inning after the TexAnns scored two runs and loaded the bases with just one out, and forced a pop-out against her first batter, but surrendered a bases clearing double to left field to ultimately break the game open.
Eastern loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom half of the inning looking to chip away at the lead, but couldn't capitalize on the situation and headed to the final inning trailing 6-1. Gary mowed down the TexAnns in order, but couldn't spark enough momentum for the Greyhound offense to manufacture any runs in their final trip to the plate.

Sophomore Kayla Marshall and senior Elysa Rodriguez each went 1-for-4 on the night while Hanna Gary and senior Lauren Likes each recorded a hit as well.

The Greyhounds will return to the field tomorrow afternoon for their final two games on their home field at 1 p.m. A special ceremony honoring all of the female Greyhound athletes that earned the 2017-18 Lone Star Conference Academic Excellence Award will be held in between games, while a ceremony honoring the five 2019 softball seniors will be held following the completion of both games.