SAN ANGELO – The No. 4 Angelo State softball team increased its win streak to 22 with a doubleheader sweep of Eastern New Mexico 8-1 and 12-0 in five innings on Friday evening at Mayer Field.
The Rambelles (22-1, 7-0 LSC) scored 20 runs off 22 hits and stole 14 bases. The Greyhounds (13-12, 6-5 LSC) were held to seven hits and one run in 12 innings. ASU drew eight walks and recorded a .431 average in the doubleheader sweep.
"I thought we continued to play really well," Angelo State head softball coach Travis Scott said. "Morgan Hill and Brandy Marlett were really sharp and we were able to get experience for all four pitchers tonight. Defensively, we did a lot of things really well. We were able to produce at the plate up and down the lineup. It is a lot of fun to watch and it is fun to be a part of."
ASU took a quick lead in game one with two runs in the first inning. Taegan Kirk hit a grounder to short to bring home Bailey Wallace and a bases loaded walk from Karina Rocha made it 2-0.
Morgan Hill received the start and held ENMU scoreless through the first two innings.
The Rambelles added to their lead by taking advantage of an error to score two more. A passed ball moved Taylor Fogle to third after drawing a walk. The junior was able to score as the ENMU catcher overthrew the third baseman to allow Fogle to score. Jade Strother and Madison Greenwell pulled off a double steal to push the advantage to 4-0.
ENMU was able to add a run with a solo home run in the top of the third.
Angelo State answered in the fourth inning. Another error plagued ENMU to keep an inning alive. Greenwell stepped to the plate with a runner on first. Brooke Mangold stole second and was able to walk the rest of the way. Greenwell took a pitch that cleared the right field fence for a two-run home run. It is the senior's second home run of her career and the first of the season.
After giving up the home run. Hill would only give up one hit over the next four innings including eight straight at one point. Through six innings, the senior only gave up four hits and one run with six strikeouts.
Greenwell added another RBI in the bottom of the sixth inning with a single up the middle. Bailey Wallace had a RBI double to centerfield to make it 8-1.
Maykayla Corbin came in the seventh and only gave up one hit and no runs to finish the game. Hill earned her 12th victory of the year.
The Rambelle offense was the story in game two scoring 12 runs on 14 hits in only five innings.
Kirk started the scoring with a RBI double to right center. Mykayla Stroud followed it up with a single to right field to allow Kirk to score from second to make it 2-0.
Brandy Marlett would hold ENMU hitless and strikeout three through the first two innings.
Three runs scored in the second. Bina singled to left field and then used her speed to steal second and third base. ENMU tried to throw Bina out at third but an errant throw allowed her to score. Mangold hit a RBI single up the middle to make it 4-0 and after a walk Wallace hit a single to centerfield to drive in the fifth run of the inning.
After giving up the only hit of game two, Marlett would strike out three ENMU batters in a row to send the game to the bottom of the third.
The Rambelles used plate discipline and patience to score seven runs in the third inning. Jade Strother single to left field to drive in Bina from third base. A fielder's choice and bunt single would load the bases. Wallace took advantage with a two-RBI single to right field. Two outs later the bases were loaded again and Fogle was hit by a pitch to make it 11-0. Bina was back to the plate and singled to left field for a RBI to increase the lead to 12-0.
Marlett would throw 3.1 innings and only give up one hit. The senior struck out six for her 10th win of the season. Meagan Hill came in relief in the final 1.2 innings and struck out three and only gave up one hit.
The Rambelles and Greyhounds will play the series finale at 1 p.m. at Mayer Field on Saturday.
