Softball Splits Pair of One-Run Games

SAN ANTONIO – Fans who have followed the series between the St. Mary's University and Oklahoma Christian softball teams for a while had to figure coming into Thursday the games would be close, and they were right as both games of the doubleheader were decided by a single run. The Eagles took game one, 2-1, before the Rattlers bounced back to win game two, 3-2.
 
The two teams entered Thursday with 40 games between them, and 16 of those 40 had been decided by one or two runs, including four of the last six. The clubs are in a battle for fourth place in the league standings with the Rattlers (28-19, 23-12) holding a slim lead over the Eagles (29-19, 24-14). They wrap up the season series on Friday at 11 a.m. 
 
A reminder for those headed to the game that parking will be extremely limited due to Oyster Bake, so arrive early as the walk may be longer than usual.
 
GAME ONE RECAP
The Eagles scored two runs in the top of the first and held on to win. The Rattlers scored their lone run in the bottom of the third.
 
Senior Destiny Salinas (San Antonio) drew a four pitch walk to get things going. Senior Lauren Gonzales (San Antonio) flared a single over the third baseman's head down the left field line and senior Mackenzie Dugi (St. Hedwig, Texas) walked to load the bases. Sophomore Raegan Tennill (Corpus Christi, Texas) hit a long foul ball to the fence in left field that was caught but allowed Salinas to score.
 
Junior Jadyn Abrego (San Antonio) pitched 6 1/3 innings. She allowed two runs on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout. Junior Savannah Youngblood (Kingwood, Texas) retired both batters she faced in relief.
 
GAME TWO RECAP
St. Mary's scored its three runs on only one hit, but were helped by five Eagles errors. OC scored two runs on five hits.
 
Gonzales walked on four pitches to lead off the bottom of the first. She stole second. With one out Tennill walked. Junior Jamison Holder (Magnolia, Texas) lined out to the third baseman, but she overthrew first base trying to double off Tennill and both runners advanced 60 feet. Senior Reba Reyes hit a groundball to the shortstop and was initially called out at first. After the umpires convened, they overturned the out, saying the first baseman's foot was off the bag and she was safe. Both Gonzales and Tennill scored for the 2-0 lead.
 
The Eagles pulled even in the top of the second with two runs on one hit, three walks and a fielder's choice.
In the bottom of the third, Tennill walked to begin the frame. Holder laid down a fantastic sacrifice bunt and the throw to first sailed wide, allowing Tennill to score. 
 
Gonzales had the lone hit of the game for the Rattlers, singling up the middle with one out in the fourth inning. Gonzales also stole three bases through the two games, moving her into a tie for fourth in St. Mary's history with Jennifer Zapalac (1988-91). Both Rattlers have swiped 76 bags in their respective careers.
 
Sophomore Breanna Ford (Corpus Christi) started in the circle. She pitched 1 2/3 innings before giving way to Youngblood. Ford surrendered two runs on one hit with three walks and a strikeout. Youngblood improved to 10-2 on the year, allowing only four hits with two walks and one strikeout through 5 1/3 innings of work.