Final Box (.pdf)

STEPHENVILLE – Late game heroics sparked by a pair of home runs in the seventh inning led the top-ranked Angelo State softball team to a 6-3 win over Lone Star Conference foe Tarleton State at the TSU Field in Stephenville Friday. With two outs, Kacie Easley hit a three-run shot to break open a 1-1 tie, followed by Morgan Spearman's two-run blast a couple batters later.

A pitching duel ensued between Angelo State's Claire Molina and Tarleton's Samantha Swanda, as each threw three scoreless innings before the TexAnns (15-11-1, 4-6-1 LSC South) manufactured a run in the fourth. Tarleton's Arianna Rodriguez singled up the middle and would eventually score, after Amy Gabbert singled to right field to give Tarleton a 1-0 lead.

For the ninth time this season, Angelo State (26-2, 6-1 LSC South) has trailed entering the sixth inning; however, the Rambelles find ways to score late, outscoring their opponents, 35-3, in the sixth inning and, 25-3, in the seventh on the year. Friday's game was no different, as ASU tied the game in the sixth, after Elsa Apo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

The Rambelles got out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth, after Molina struck out the final batter to end the threat. Angelo State led off the seventh inning with a single by Jasmaine Moore. ASU then popped up for the first out, however, a Kaycee Taylor walk put runners on first and second. After another Angelo State fly out, the scene was set for Easley. With two on, two out and the game tied, 1-1, the sophomore delivered, as she launched her third home run of the season over the centerfield wall to put Angelo State up, 4-1. ASU's bats continued to rattle, as DeeshanaLynn Tafiti singled to left and was brought home by Spearman's two-run roundtripper to right to give the 'Belles a 6-1 lead.

“You can't say enough about Kacie,” said head coach Travis Scott. “She hit a no-doubter over the centerfield fence, which was a big-time hit for us. Then Morgan came up and hit a bomb, which gave us insurance.”

Angelo State would go on to earn a 6-3 victory with Molina (12-0) picking up the win. The junior threw 6.0 innings of work and allowed just one run, while striking out seven.

Angelo State will conclude the three-game series against Tarleton State with a doubleheader Saturday at the TSU Field with the first pitch slated for noon and the second game to follow. Fans can watch Live Stats at TarletonSports.com or listen to the first game's live broadcast on KTRL 90.5 FM.

AngeloSports.com: Your online source for Angelo State Athletics news, multimedia, photos and more.