Dustdevils Stifled in Tournament Opener

Box Score SAN ANTONIO (May 2, 2013) – Two key hits proved to be the difference in the Heartland Conference Tournament opener, as St. Edward’s University handed TAMIU a 3-0 loss Thursday afternoon at the SAISD Sports Complex.

The first came in the bottom of the second when Marissa Thome singled with the bases loaded to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead. TAMIU starting pitcher Mariena Gallardo quickly recovered and retired the next two batters to keep the Dustdevils within striking distance.

In the bottom of the third with two away and two on, Laura Alvarado belted a shot into left center field that fell just beyond the glove of center fielder Olivia Garcia who made a diving attempt. The ball rolled all the way to the wall resulting in a two-RBI triple, giving St. Edward’s the edge they needed to hold off TAMIU.

The Dustdevils got off to a great start against St. Edward’s ace and conference co-pitcher of the year Sarah Debrow. In the top of the first Cassie Garcia roped a two-out double and Gallardo followed with a single to advance Garcia to third. Cassandra DeLeon struck out swinging to end the threat in what would be the only multiple hit inning for TAMIU.

Debrow settled in after a shaky first inning, allowing only five more hits the rest of the way while racking up 11 total strikeouts with no walks.

Gallardo took the loss for TAMIU falling to 7-5 on the season. The sophomore went six full innings allowing seven hits with three strikeouts and three walks. She also led TAMIU at the plate going 2-for-3.

The Dustdevils will return to the field Friday afternoon to face UT Permian Basin in an elimination game at 1:30. The winner of that game will face the loser of St. Edward’s and St. Mary’s at 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.

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