April 12, 2008

Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. - A solid outing by freshman Shannon O'Dea got the West Texas A&M softball team in the win column on Saturday afternoon as WT defeated Lone Star Conference South Division rival Eastern New Mexico, 5-4, during the second game of a doubleheader at Zia Ballpark. The Lady Buffs did not fair as well during the opening game of the twin bill, dropping a 7-2 decision.

The split leaves WT's overall record this season at 20-28, including a 5-9 mark in LSC South play. The Zias, meanwhile, end the day at 21-26 overall and 1-10 in league action.

The two teams are back in action Sunday when the take the field for the series finale at 1 p.m. (CST).

Game #1 Recap (Eastern New Mexico 7, West Texas A&M 2)
The Lady Buffs could not get their offense in gear against ENMU pitcher Kristen Cruickshank in the day's opener, as the Zia pitcher scattered six WT hits and carried a shutout into the seventh inning.

Trailing 7-2, the Lady Buffs attempted to rally in the game's final frame, notching their only two scores of the game on a two-run double from Audrey Wallace.

Senior Andrea Renteria (7-12) took the loss in the circle for the Lady Buffs, allowing four earned runs in a complete game effort.

Game #2 Recap (West Texas A&M 5, Eastern New Mexico 4)
O'Dea got things going for the Lady Buffs in the nightcap, limiting the Zias to only one run during the first six innings en route to her ninth win of the season.

Trialing 1-0, the WT offense took control in the top of the third, plating three runs on three hits and taking advantage of one ENMU error. Erin Hartigan, Christie Russell and Rachel Cavallaro all singled consecutively to start the inning and load the bases for sophomore Amber Farr. Farr appeared to set the stage for the first visitor run of the game with what would have been a sacrifice fly to center field, but the ball was dropped and two runs came in to score. Another WT run was pushed across when Breanna Adams grounded into a double play that allowed Cavallaro to score from third.

Hartigan put two more Lady Buff runs on the board in the top of the fourth as she slammed her fourth home run of the season, a two-run shot to left centerfield.

O'Dea ran into a little trouble in the bottom of the seventh, allowing three runs, including two on the first career home run by Brittany Regalado. The rally fell short, however, allowing WT to claim their 10th victory of the season.