ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Texans (13-9, 0-1 WAC) dropped their opening WAC contest to the Thunderbirds (6-14, 1-0 WAC) 2-1 (9) on Friday after having the bases loaded in the top of the seventh with two outs.
Shelby Schultz earned her eighth start of her collegiate career as she struck out four of the first six batters she faced as the game was scoreless through two innings.
In the top of the third, Tarleton State got on the board as
Tristyn Trull homered to left center for her fifth long ball of the season to give the Texans the 1-0 lead. Her five home runs lead the team thus far this season as she 12 times in her career for the Purple and White.
After holding the home team scoreless for another inning, the Thunderbirds tied things up in the bottom of the fourth. Michelle De la Cruz walked with bases loaded as Tasha Hokanson scored to tie things 1-1.
The game then remained tied through the next two innings before the Texans loaded them in the top of the seventh with two outs before Kayln Hill flew out to right ending the Purple and White's late threat in regulation.
In the bottom of the seventh Southern Utah struck out, fouled out and flew out sending the game to extras. This marks back-to-back games the Texans have played free softball.
The eighth inning saw both teams trade goose eggs before Tarleton State had the go-ahead run in scoring position with two outs in the ninth.
Kiana Gibson lined out to third ending the Texans threat once again.
With a walk-off opportunity in the hands of the Thunderbirds once again, they wasted no time taking advantage as Arianna Ramirez hit a lead-off homer to left walking it off 2-1.
For the Texans,
Shelby Schultz tossed the first four innings before
Hannah Blincoe (L, 2-2) took over for the final four.
Shelby Schultz gave up one run (earned) on five hits as she struck out five and walked two. She now has sent 63 batters packing as she leads the team in strikeouts. As a unit, the Texans have now sat down 155 batters, 26% of batters faced thus far. Blincoe gave up one run (earned) on two hits and struck out two.
For the Thunderbirds, Keimon Winston went four innings as she gave up one run (earned) on three hits while she walked two and struck out three. Emily Delgado (W, 3-5) tossed the final five innings as she gave up six hits, walked one and struck out two.
The two teams are set to return to action on Saturday for a doubleheader that is currently scheduled to return to Cedar City pending field conditions at Kathryn Berg Field. The two games are set for a 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. first pitch.
For the latest news on the Texans, follow Tarleton Softball on Facebook, Instagram and X @tarletonsoftball.
