STEPHENVILLE, Texas – It was a story of not if, but when the weather was going to force a stoppage in play Friday evening at the Tarleton State Softball Complex.
The Thunderbirds of Southern Utah (20-25, 9-15 WAC) took Game 1 4-3 over Tarleton State (21-31, 7-16 WAC) following a pair of two-run home runs. Game 2 got underway shortly after the completion of Game 1 but didn't go long as inclement weather caused the game to be halted with the Texans leading 1-0 in the bottom of the second with no outs and
Jordan Dickerson stepping to the plate.
Tarleton State 3 Southern Utah 4
Two two-run long balls to left field made the difference in Game 1 as the Texans dropped the opening game of the series Friday evening to the Thunderbirds.
The Red and Black got things going early putting up their first two-spot in the top of the first. Karmyna Becerra sent one deep to left field putting the Thunderbirds up 2-0 after Emily Gonzalez reached on a four-pitch lead-off walk. Southern Utah's bats then went cold for the next four innings.
Tarleton State finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning as Dickerson singled to left center scoring
Katy Schaefer who reached thanks to a single of her own two batters before making it a one run game, 2-1.
In the bottom half of the fifth the home team once again got on the board, this time taking the lead.
Tristyn Trull hit a doubled to deep center field driving in runs two and three for the Purple and White in
Kelci Hill and
Kayla Wallace making it 3-2 Texans.
Kelci Hill reached with a double to left center and then moved to third on a passed ball. Wallace followed with a walk to reach base.
The Thunderbirds struck once again in the top of the sixth, this time it was enough to win them the ballgame. Ariyana Miranda sent one to almost the same spot as Becerra did in the first. Miranda put the visitors back on top 4-3 as Becerra reached on a fielder's choice just before the long ball cleared the wall.
For the Texans,
Alexa Rehmeier got the starting nod and went 5.2 innings while taking the loss and moving to 7-6 on the season. She gave up all four runs on three hits, walked four and struck out just one.
Kendall Daniel tossed the final 1.1 innings giving up just two hits and walked a single batter.
The Thunderbirds used a pair of pitchers as well as Emily Delgado earned the start and went two-thirds of the game but did not come out with the win tonight. Delgado went 4.1 IP and gave up the three runs on six hits, while striking out and walking a pair. Keimon Winston went just 2.2 IP but picked up the win moving to 6-8 on the season. She gave up no runs or hits and struck out one.
Game 2 of the series will resume play on Saturday at 9 a.m. with Game 3 scheduled to start 25 minuets following the conclusion of Game 2.
Game 2 will air live on WAC International while Game 3 will move back to ESPN+ Live stats and radio will be available for both contests as well.
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