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Life > Athletics > Softball > 3/31/06
PIONEERS AND TEXANNS BATTLE ON THE DIAMOND
DENTON , Texas – On a perfect day for softball with temperatures in the mid 80’s, Texas Woman’s University and Tarleton State split the opening doubleheader of the Lone Star Conference series. TWU won game one, 4-3, and dropped the second, 7-9.
The Pioneers (15-26-1, 4-3-1) and Texanns (21-14, 6-8) entered the day in fourth and fifth place, respectively, in the league standings. Both teams are vying for one of three spots in the LSC postseason tournament.
“The first game was very good. We played hard with intensity,” head coach Marty Blowers said. “Errors got us in the second game. I wish Ashley (Martin) would have had a better start. She will be ready tomorrow. Lindsy (Russ-Keller) came out and pitched two good ballgames.”
The Texanns started the opener with two runs off TWU starter Russ-Keller. Four hits and a walk generated an early 2-0 lead.
TWU tied the game in the third frame. Consecutive singles by Rachel Townsend, Sarah White and Tiffanie Boone put the Pioneers on the scoreboard.
Amber Brooks plated the go ahead run in the fifth frame. With two outs, Boone and Amanda Emory reached base before Brooks singled to right center field.
TSU utilized two TWU miscues to even the score in the sixth inning.
Next, Rhonda Sherman hit the eventual game-winner. She led off the sixth frame with a solo home run, her fourth of the season, way over the left field fence.
The Texanns threatened in the last inning. After a web gem by Sherman at first base for the first out, TSU singled and drew two walks to load the bases. Russ-Keller induced a fielder’s choice and a foul out to end the game.
Russ-Keller and TSU starter Shannon Anderson both went the distance. Russ-Keller allowed seven hits, three runs (one earned) and four walks with four strikeouts.
Boone and Sherman each had two hits to lead the offense.
Both teams started game two with five runs in the first inning. TSU knocked TWU starter Martin out of the game early. Martin left after facing five batters and recording no outs. Russ-Keller relieved her after Amanda Smith cleared the bases with a triple.
TWU charged right back and chased TSU starter Tamra Bradley off the mound. The Pioneers scored five runs off four hits and one Texann miscue.
The Pioneers added two more runs in the second for a 7-5 advantage. Emory and Brooks singled before Sherman scored them with a base hit.
After that inning, Anderson and Erika Alvarado shut down the TWU offense. Anderson pitched 2.1 innings without allowing a hit. Alvarado gave up six hits and no runs to earn the save in 2.2 innings.
Meanwhile, TSU scored in the third, fourth and seventh frames to win.
Russ-Keller took the loss in relief. Sherman had three of the Pioneers 13 hits.
TWU and TSU conclude the series with a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1:00 p.m.
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