Softball Walks Off In Extra Innings

SAN ANTONIO – Going extra innings for the second time in three games, the St. Mary's Softball team was able to end the week on a high note, defeating Eastern New Mexico 3-2 in nine innings.
 
The Rattlers (10-4, 1-2 Lone Star) book-ended their runs, plating two in the first and one in the ninth to snap a three-game losing skid.
 
The five hits for the Gold & Blue were all recorded by different players, while sophomore Lauryn Ramos (Marion, Texas) driving in two of the three runs and senior Lauren Garcia (San Antonio) helping the Rattlers walk off with her hit to the wall in left.
 
Both sophomore Madeline Bloom (Poway, Calif.) and junior Sara Robertson (Lorena, Texas) worked in the circle without a decision. Bloom started and pitched 2.1 innings, with one run on four hits with one walk and one strikeout, while Robertson worked 3.1 frames, surrendering one run on three hits with one walk.
 
Senior Catalina Cavazos (Houston) bounced back after the complete-game 10-inning loss on Friday to earn the win. She shut down the Greyhounds offense, not allowing a walk over the final 3.1 innings, walking one and striking out five.
 
The Greyhounds struck first, scoring one in the top of the first on the top of the first, but Bloom helped her own cause, starting a double play to limit the damage.
 
Junior Mackenzie Dugi (St. Hedwig, Texas) walked, stole second and with two outs, sophomore Jamison Holder (Magnolia, Texas) walked. They both scored on a double scorched down the line by Ramos for the 2-1 lead after one frame.
 
ENMU knotted the score in the top of the sixth and the score remained 2-2 until the bottom of the ninth. Junior Ericka Gomez (Stafford, Texas) led off the frame with a single up the middle. After a long at bat, Holder hit a shot right where the short stop had been standing before she broke for second with the threat of a runner.
 
Ramos laid down a bunt to advance both runners and Garcia hit the fence in left field with a ball for the 3-2 win.
 
The Rattlers take to the road for a three-game series at Texas A&M Kingsville. The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and play a single at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. StMU returns home for a non-conference doubleheader against Our Lady of the Lake on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. The Saints and Javelinas are slated to play a twinbill on Sunday in San Antonino.