- Box Score 1
- Box Score 2
STEPHENVILLE – The Tarleton TexAnn softball team dropped a doubleheader with NAIA national powerhouse No. 5 Lubbock Christian in Stephenville Saturday. Tarleton lost game one 5-3 in eight innings and game two, 8-6.
Tarleton's defense committed five errors that allowed a total of eight unearned runs that cost the TexAnns both games.
Tarleton's offense was sparked by Rebecca Wessels who hit .667 on the day with four hits, three runs scored and three stolen bases.
The TexAnns will return to action at home on Friday, March 11 at 3 p.m. when Tarleton opens Lone Star Conference South Division action against Texas Woman's.
LCU 5, Tarleton 3 (eight innings)
In the bottom of the third inning, Rebecca Wessels gained a leadoff walk and then stole second before Marcie Rodriguez walked. Wessels then advanced to third on a Samantha Swanda fly ball to right. Kelsey Latta singled up the middle to score Wessels and give Tarleton a 1-0 lead.
In the top of the fifth, LCU scored one run on two hits to tie the game before Tarleton struck again in the bottom of the inning.
With two outs, Swanda reached on an error before Latta singled to right center. Eryn Freitas pinch ran for Swanda before Arianna Rodriguez doubled to score Freitas and moved Latta to third. Latta then scored on a passed ball to put Tarleton ahead, 3-1.
In the top of the seventh inning, LCU scored two runs on three hits and an error to tie the game at three runs each and force extra innings though Tarleton had runners on in the bottom of the inning, but the TexAnns couldn't get around to score.
In the top of the eighth inning, the Lady Chaps scored two runs on a hit and an error.
In the bottom of the final frame, Arianna Rodriguez was placed on second and then moved to third on a single up the middle by Katie Welborn. The next three batters were retired as LCU claimed the 5-3 win.
Swanda pitched 6.2 innings and took the loss with one walk and two strikeouts. Fentress pitched 1.1 innings and gave up a run.
LCU 8, Tarleton 6
In the bottom of the first inning, Wessels started with a bunt single before stealing second. Abigail Tammen reached on a throwing error which scored Wessels to make it 1-0 TexAnns.
In the bottom of the third, Victoria Kelly had a leadoff single down the left field line before Wessels singled on a bunt. Tammen grounded out to second on a sacrifice bunt that advanced the runners. Welborn reached on a fielder's choice that scored Kelly. Freitas pinch ran for Welborn who then stole second. Swanda reached on a fielding error by second that scored Wessels. Swanda then stole second. With two outs, Arianna Rodriguez singled up the middle to score Freitas before Alexandria Orf singled to score Arianna and Swanda. Tarleton led 6-0.
In the top of the seventh, the Lady Chaps had three runs against starting pitcher Katie Smith, and Fentress came in for relief with the bases loaded. The pitcher then gave up a grand slam that put the visitors ahead, 7-6.
LCU added to its lead in the top of the sixth with one run on two hits and an error to make it 8-6 LCU.
Tarleton got a runner on in both the sixth and seventh innings, but the TexAnns couldn't get the runs across the plate.
Smith pitched 3.2 innings and gave up six runs (one earned) on seven hits with two walks. Fentress pitched the next 2.1 innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits with a strikeout. Swanda gave up one hit in one inning with a walk and a strikeout.
