The NMHU Cowgirls earned a split in an exciting non-conference double header on the road against Eastern New Mexico University, on 4/19. Game one was an offensive duel that showcased the Cowgirls' batting. The Cowgirls took the early lead scoring a run in the first inning, and adding two more runs in the third. The Zias tied the game up with three runs in the bottom of the third inning. ENMU took the lead in the second inning with two runs, making the score 5-3. In the top of the sixth inning the Cowgirls' bats came to life.
Alyssa Ramirez hit a double to right centerfield, scoring
Roxanne Avalos, and then
Shelby Hoffman came up to the plate and rocked a bomb to centerfield for the two run homerun. The Cowgirls would add two more runs in the sixth to take the lead 7-5. The Cowgirls then got up in the top of the seventh inning and kept swinging.
Melissa Martinez got to the plate with the bases loaded, no outs, and delivered with a grand slam homerun to right centerfield, extending the Cowgirls' lead to 11-5. The Zias tried a comeback in the bottom of the seventh scoring three runs, but in the end it would not be enough as the Cowgirls sealed the victory 11-8. Game two was a close contest that saw both teams battle back and forth. The Cowgirls scored a run in the first inning to take the lead, but the Zias answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning to tie the game up at one apiece. ENMU scored a run in the second inning to take the lead and then another run in the third inning made the score 3-1 in favor of the Zias. The Cowgirls kept fighting and scored three runs in the fifth inning to regain the lead 4-3, but the Zias added another run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game up at four apiece. The Cowgirls again took the lead with a run in the sixth inning to make the score 5-4 Cowgirls. The Zias answered back again in the bottom of the inning, scoring two runs to take back the lead 6-5. The Cowgirls had a base runner on third base in the top of the seventh but the Zias' pitching staff worked out of the jam to capture the victory in game two 6-5. With the non-conference split the Cowgirls, led by Head Coach Shellie Broyles, improve to a 9-36 record in overall play and remain at 5-27 in the RMAC.
Melissa Martinez (6-22) was the winning pitcher in game one for the Cowgirls. She threw a complete seven innings from the pitcher's circle, faced 36 batters, and allowed eight runs on 11 hits. Martinez only allowed five earned runs, struck out five batters, and walked four in the game.
The Cowgirls offense combined to hit for a .281 team batting average, but two homeruns added to the scoring onslaught.
Shelby Hoffman,
Melissa Martinez,
Roxanne Avalos, and
Alyssa Ramirez were the leaders on offense for the Cowgirls. Hoffman was 1-3 at the plate with a walk. She scored two runs and added two RBIs with her sixth inning homerun to deep centerfield in the sixth inning. Martinez was also 1-3 at the plate with a walk. She scored one run and had four RBIs with her seventh inning grand slam homerun. Avalos went 2-4 from the batter's box, with a double and two runs scored. Ramirez hit 1-3 at the plate with a walk. She scored two runs and had an RBI double.
Ashley Paiz (3-13) was credited with the loss in game two of the double header. She threw a complete six innings from the pitcher's circle, faced 31 batters, and allowed six runs on nine hits. Paiz struck out two batters, walked four, and five of her runs were earned.
The Cowgirls' offense scored five runs on five hits, with a .217 team batting average in game two.
Ashley Paiz,
Samantha Butler, and
Roxanne Avalos were the offensive leaders for the Cowgirls in the game. Paiz was 1-3 with a walk from the batter's box. She hit a triple, scored two runs and had one RBI. Butler was 2-3 at the plate with a walk, and scored one run. Avalos was 1-3 at the plate with a double and two RBIs.
The NMHU Cowgirls will continue conference action, on 4/22-23, as the host Nebraska-Kearney for a four game home series in Las Vegas, N.M. The Lopers visit Brandt Field in last place in the RMAC East Division with a 12-17 conference record and 12-25 in overall play. The first game on Saturday, 4/22, is set to begin at 12pm. Game one on Sunday, 4/23, is set for an 11am start time. Game two of both double headers will begin shortly after the completion of game one.
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HERE For Complete Game One Stats
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GO COWGIRLS!!!
