PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Softball took care of business with an 8-0 (5 Inn.) win in the series opener with UT Permian Basin on Tuesday afternoon at Greyhound Softball Field. Eastern improves to 16-14 on the season, holding a 9-13 conference record. The Falcons drop to 4-24 on the season, with a 1-18 LSC standing.
 
After a 1-2-3 inning to start the game, Eastern New Mexico plated six runs in the opening frame to jump out in front. Mikenzey Patterson led-off the game with a infield single, then two walks loaded the bases for Samantha Gutierrez. The clean-up hitter for ENMU lifted a flyball to right field, which bounced around in the outfield as three runs scored and Gutierrez slid into 3^rd base. 3-0 ENMU.

Bot 1st

Samantha Gutierrez clears the bases with a triple to take the lead.

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— ENMU Softball (@ENMUSoftball) March 19, 2024

 
After another walk, Grace Rofii doubled to centerfield to plate another run for Eastern. Valeria Contreras concluded the scoring with a fielder's choice, as two runs came home on play, as ENMU held a 6-0 lead after the first inning. The Greyhounds came back for more during the third frame, scoring a pair of runs. Aylene Lucero and Contreras started the inning with bunt singles, and a Patterson single loaded the bases. Alondra Vasquez brought home a run on a fielder's choice, while Taighen Whitzel singled down the right field line with two outs to score the game's eighth run.
 
UT Permian Basin did threaten to score in the 4^th inning, using a leadoff single, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch to load the bases with two outs. However, a line drive directly to the first basemen ended the inning for ENMU. Eastern completed the win with three outs in the 5^th inning to take the series opener, 8-0 (5 Inn.)

NOTABLE STATS

• The Greyhounds produced nine hits during the game, taking advantage of four walks and a hit-by-pitch to reach base. UT Permian Basin picked up three hits, posting one walk and one hit-by-pitch.
• Eastern had seven different hitters record a base hit, while eight different Greyhounds scored one run. Patterson and Lucero both picked up two hits in the game, while Gutierrez paced the team with three RBIs.
• Marissa Rodriguez tossed a complete game shutout, giving up just three singles and a walk, along with three strikeouts.
• For the Falcons, Destini Trahan is given the loss allowing six runs (five earned) on three hits and three walks. Laila Vasquez pitched effectively, throwing four innings with two runs allowed on six hits.

FROM THE SOURCE

"It was a good day for the team all around," said Head ENMU Softball Coach Amanda Fefel. "We were disciplined early in the game on the offensive side and were able to drive in six runs early to give our defense and Marissa (Rodriguez) some comfort room in the circle. Mikenzey (Patterson), Taighen (Whitzel), Laney (A. Lucero), and Samantha (Gutierrez) all had a great days at the plate," said Fefel.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Rodriguez fired their second complete game of the season, with the first coming against St. Edward's University during an 8-0 (5 Inn.) victory (2/24/24). In the batter's box, Gutierrez recorded their 4^th 3+ RBI game of the season, and their first since Feb. 25, posting six RBIs in a win over St. Edward's. The Greyhounds catcher also recorded their first triple of the season.
• Lucero marked the game with their 7^th multi-hit game of the season, while Patterson delivered their 11^th multi-hit game of the season.
• Eastern continues the series tomorrow against the Falcons, with a doubleheader scheduled between the two teams. Game times are set 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.