Box Score

SAN ANTONIO – With the series tied at one game apiece, the Angelo State softball team controlled Game 3 from the opening pitch en route to a 7-2 victory over Lone Star Conference opponent Incarnate Word at Cardinal Field on Saturday.
 
“We really came out swinging the bat and scored at least one run in five of the seven innings,” Angelo State head coach Travis Scott said. “We switched Morgan Spearman and Lauren Smith at the one and two hole, and it worked out well.”
 
Smith set the tone with a leadoff double to the alleyway in left. Spearman then singled to score Smith and give the Belles (29-7, 12-3 LSC) their first run. What a difference a day makes for the sophomore from Kennedale. Spearman – who went 0-7 in Friday's games – went 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and a pair of RBIs.  
 
“The team really had great approaches at the plate, but Morgan in particular,” Scott said. “She struggled a bit in the doubleheader yesterday, but got into a groove today.”
 
Angelo State got to Cardinals' (20-14, 7-8 LSC) starting pitcher Whitney Waltrip early, scoring four runs over the first two innings. With two on and two outs in the second, DeeshanaLynn Tafiti hit a two-run infield single to put the Belles up 4-0.
 
For a team that's use to hitting the long ball, Angelo State played small ball on Saturday. The Belles were able to score two of their seven runs on sacrifice flies from April Breshears and Brittney Davis.
 
“After struggling yesterday against Waltrip, we made the adjustments as a team and were able to manufacture a few runs,” said Scott. “The run support gave our pitchers the confidence to throw strikes and let the defense back them up.”
 
Mary Kate McKay got the start, throwing five scoreless innings and allowing just three hits against the Cardinals. The sophomore picked up the win and improved to 14-3 on the year. Claire Molina came on in relief, pitching the final two innings.
 
The fifth-ranked Belles return to the ASU Softball Complex for a three-game series against LSC foe Texas Woman's on April 5-6. Friday's contest will be a single game starting at 7 p.m. with a doubleheader to follow on Saturday beginning at 2:30 p.m.