PORTALES, N.M. – An eight-run inning lifted Eastern New Mexico Softball over Oklahoma Christian on Sunday afternoon at Greyhound Softball Field. With the Sunday win, Eastern secures a series win over the Eagles (2-1). ENMU improves to 23-21 on the season, along with a 16-20 LSC record. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Christian slip to 28-18 overall and 23-13 in conference play.
 
After each team recorded a hit in the opening inning, Eastern broke open the game in the 2^nd inning with eight runs. Marissa Rodriguez singled up the middle to start the inning, then Grace Rofii bunted their way on base. Following a walk from Cecy Jurado, Judith Osuna scored the games first run on a hit-by-pitch. Mikenzey Patterson then lined a single into left field to plate the Greyhounds second run. Ashley Burns followed with a two RBI single into left field, scoring Jurado and Osuna to put the Greyhounds ahead 4-0.
 

Eastern puts up four runs in the second inning to take the lead.

Ashley Burns provided a 2-RBI single, while Mikenzey Patterson and Judith Osuna also grabbed RBIs.#ENMU #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/vg1NFztsB5

— ENMU Softball (@ENMUSoftball) April 14, 2024

 
The Eagles made a pitching change in the circle, but the Greyhounds continued to reach base as Samantha Gutierrez walked to load the bases. After a brief conference at third base, Taighen Whitzel crushed the first pitch they saw over the fence for a grand slam to double the Greyhounds advantage, 8-0. During the inning, ENMU scored eight runs from five hits with three walks and a hit by pitch.
 

GRAND SLAM TAIGHEN WHITZEL!!!

ENMU doubles its lead to 8-0 in the 2nd inning.#ENMU #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/pusiqmouCQ

— ENMU Softball (@ENMUSoftball) April 14, 2024

 
ENMU navigated an OC single in the third inning, stranding the runner at third. The Greyhounds had a chance to add to their lead in the 4^th inning, putting runners on the corners with two outs. A Whitzel walk, followed by a Rofii single positioned ENMU to score, but the Eagles ended the inning with a strikeout. The Greyhounds secured the win with a 1-2-3 inning, with Jurado making a diving grab in left field to record the final out.

NOTABLE STATS

• The Greyhounds racked up eight hits, scoring eight runs in one inning from five hits, two walks, and a hit by pitch. The Eagles finished with four hits, committing a pair of fielding errors.
• Patterson and Rofii each picked up a pair of hits, while Whitzel (4 RBIs) and Burns (2 RBIs) paced the Greyhounds.
• Rodriguez earned a complete game victory, allowing four hits with no walks in the game. The sophomore allowed no more than one hit in each inning, with the 5^th inning being retired in order.
• Starting pitcher Grace Anderson was charged for six runs on five hits in the loss over 1.1 innings. Jill Dickson gave up two runs on three walks with three hits allowed in 2.2 innings.

FROM THE SOURCE

"One big inning on offense pushed us through for the win," said Head ENMU Softball Coach Amanda Fefel. "This team is a contagious hitting team and it was great to see players step up in big ways. One player specifically comes to mind is Ashley Burns," said Fefel. "She played a solid third base and came in clutch for us two. Taighen Whitzel was another bat that came through in a big-time way with bases loaded," said Fefel. "Marissa (Rodriguez) had a great bounce back day in the circle, while keeping OC runners at a minimum. No matter the ups and downs of their previous games, they continue to push through and stay resilient," said Fefel. "I'm proud of their fight today and hope this momentum carries over into our series against Kingsville,".

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The Greyhounds captured their first series victory over the Eagles in program history, marking the first shutout against Oklahoma Christian since 2001. Winning by a run-rule for the just the second time in series history, ENMU won a LSC series with OC for the first time.
• Burns made a career day, posting their first hit, RBIs, and run scored this season. Playing third base, Burns recorded a season best two fielding assists and one putout. Whitzel hit their team leading 11^th home run of the season, their first grand slam of the season. Patterson extends their hitting streak to 12 straight games, longest personal streak of the season.
• In the circle, Rodriguez enters double-digits with 10 wins, along with their third shutout of the season.
• Eastern now travels to Texas A&M-Kingsville for their finale road series of the season. The three-game set begins on Friday, April 19, with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. (MST).