Big 3rd helps ENMU snap losing streak against ASU
Mar. 18—SAN ANGELO, Texas — After nearly blowing a bases-loaded, none-out chance in the top of the third, Eastern New Mexico University's softball team did some big-time clutch hitting with two out and put another long losing streak to bed.
Leading 2-1 at the time, the Greyhounds got an infield RBI single from junior shortstop Victoria Contreras, a two-run double from senior center fielder Azalea Martinez and a two-run single from senior second baseman Jokaira Paredes to open a six-run lead en route to a 9-5 Lone Star Conference victory over Angelo State.
The result snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Rambelles, dating to a 12-9 win over ASU in San Angelo in March 2016. In their previous series, the Hounds (17-15, 9-11 LSC) severed an 18-game slide against Cameron with a doubleheader sweep.
They are also 0-42 all-time against Lubbock Christian after getting swept three games by the Lady Chaps in Lubbock March 7-8.
ASU (19-12, 11-9) took the opener 3-1. The rubber match was slated for Saturday afternoon.
Freshman right-hander Marissa Rodriguez (2-2) earned the win with 3 2/3 innings in relief of starter Delia Smith. Rodriguez allowed four hits and one run, coming on junior catcher Keilei Garcia's second homer of the day, with no walks and three strikeouts.
Freshman first baseman Ashley Nickerson belted a first-pitch, one-out homer in the top of the first, and Martinez also went deep in the second to put the Hounds in front for good.
Rodriguez later added a two-run shot, her first, to give the Hounds some insurance and make it 9-4. Sophomore righty Cheyenne Floyd (3-3), who got the final two outs in the opener for her third save, was chased in the third inning in Game 2 and took the loss.
In the opener, Rambelles junior right-hander Genesis Armendariz (11-5) escaped a bases-loaded jam in the first and got the win, working around seven hits and five walks as the Hounds left nine runners on base. Floyd took over with two on in the seventh and struck out junior catcher Alondra Vasquez and Contreras to close it out.
Down 1-0, ENMU tied it on a sacrifice fly by Contreras in the third, but junior center fielder Lindsey Evans launched a two-out homer in the bottom half and Garcia did likewise in the fourth for the final margin.
Senior right-hander Brook Leger (9-5) pitched well overall, allowing six hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts.
The Hounds will be at home for a three-game conference series against rival West Texas A&M. beginning with a 4 p.m. single game on Tuesday. This weekend, they travel to Texas-Permian Basin for three tilts.
