ODESSA, Texas – The No. 1 Angelo State softball team swept the series-opening doubleheader from Texas Permian Basin 6-0 and 7-5 on Friday in Odessa.
The Rambelles (43-4, 20-3 LSC) scored 13 runs on 17 hits in the doubleheader. The Falcons were able to score five runs on 11 hits. Seven of ASU's nine starters recorded at least two hits during the two games.
"I like the way we swung the bats today," Angelo State head softball coach Travis Scott said. "I thought we hit balls hard up and down the lineup. Kenedy (Urbany) and Taegan (Kirk) had huge days. That is always encouraging. We need to come out tomorrow and be sharp and get the sweep."
ASU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Taegan Kirk doubled to left center and later scored on a RBI sacrifice fly from Alexis Evans.
Two more runs scored in the third. Courtney Barnhill's single through the left side scored Bailey Wallace and Kirk's second consecutive double made it 3-0. Kirk went 2-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI.
The final three runs of the game came to score in the top of the fifth. Kenedy Urbany crushed a two-run home run to deep center field. Barnhill scored on a UTPB error to make it 6-0.
Brandy Marlett held UTPB to just three hits in the game one only one runner was able to advance past first base. The junior improved to 22-3 on the year and ASU's 18th shutout of the year. Â She struck out seven batters and only walked one. Marlett is now five away from tying Claudia Lopez' single-season strikeout record.
The Rambelles jumped to a big lead with three runs in the top of the first inning. Madison Greenwell reached on a throwing error by the UTPB third baseman and used her speed to score on a UTPB error that allowed Bailey Wallace to reach. Urbany cleared the bases with her second home run of the day. It is her ninth home run of the year and she is now tied for second on ASU's career home run list with Macy Baker at 39.
ASU was able to add four runs in the third. Barnhill recorded a RBI fielder's choice to bring home Greenwell for the first run of the inning. Kirk added her third double of the day to plate Barnhill and would score on a UTPB error for a 7-0 advantage.
Morgan Hill held UTPB scoreless through the first four innings of game two. She only gave up three hits and one walk through four innings but the Falcons were able to get four runs on three hits to cut ASU's lead to 7-4.
UTPB added a run off Urbany, who came in relief in the top of the fifth, to make it 7-5. The senior would settle in and earn her second save of the season. It is Hill's sixth win of the season.
The Rambelles will play the series finale at 11 a.m. in Odessa. Â
