CANYON, Texas – Sophomore
Kyra Lair registered eight strikeouts against the Rattlers as #10 West Texas A&M defeated St. Mary's in a 3-2 thriller before falling 6-5 to split the series. The Lady Buffs move to 21-7 overall (9-7 LSC) while StMU sits at a 11-13 overall record (7-7 LSC).
THE BASICS
Game 1 Score: #10 West Texas A&M 3, ST. Mary's 2
Records: #10 West Texas A&M 21-6 (9-6 LSC), St. Mary's 10-13 (6-7 LSC)
St. Mary's took an early 1-0 lead in the first after lead-off hitter Jayme Johns hit a single into right field before scoring on a passed ball. WT leveled the score as
Shanna McBroom hit a double into left center before scoring two batters down on a double by
Julie Guzman.
The Rattlers took back the lead in the fourth with a solo home run by Abigale Carney but the threat was ended as
Kyra Lair recorded her seventh strikeout of the game to keep it 2-1. Freshman
Gabriella Valforte sent a 2-2 pitch out and over the right field fence for her eighth home run of the season to tie the game at two.
After taking advantage of a fielding error, the Lady Buffs took control of the game as Guzman hit a shot up the middle to score McBroom from second.
Four players recorded hits for WT led by Guzman with two and two RBI.
Kyra Lair (11-4) was rewarded the victory allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with eight strikeouts while Alex McLennan was credited the loss allowing the game-winning run with two walks and one strikeout through three innings.
THE BASICS
Game 2 Score: ST. Mary's 6, #10 West Texas A&M 5
Records: #St. Mary's 11-13 (7-7 LSC), 10 West Texas A&M 21-7 (9-7 LSC)
With her second homer of the day, Abigale Carney put the Rattlers ahead 2-0 in the first inning but was responded by WT as
Shanna McBroom singled through the left side before scoring on a triple by
Ruby Salzman to bring the game within one.
The Rattlers extended their lead with a single to bring two runs across the plate before McBroom cut the lead with her 34
th career home run to make it 4-2.
WT looked to bridge St. Mary's lead in the fifth as
Hailey Neira reached base on a fielder's choice but a diving catch at the warning track by centerfielder Bari Christian ended the threat.
A two-run double into right center put the Rattlers ahead 6-2 in the final inning of the game. The Lady Buffs would not go down without a fight as
Erica Vessels dropped a single into centerfield before Neira laid down a bunt to bring McBroom to the plate. With runners on first and third, the senior catcher smoked a line drive down the left field line to score Vessels.
Ruby Salzman hit a bases clearing double into center field to bring the score within one before stealing 60-feet to land on third but a groundout to the shortstop would end the Lady Buffs rally to snap a six-game win streak.
McBroom led at the plate going 3-for-4 while Salzman recorded two hits as the dynamic-duo combined for five RBI.
Emilee Wilson (7-4) was credited the loss after allowing six runs (six earned) on 11 hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Lady Buffs will take a break from Lone Star Conference play before heading to Oklahoma to face Cameron and #16 Oklahoma Christian on April 9 and 11.
