COMMERCE, Texas - Texas A&M International University softball (6-10) split decisions against No. 5 Texas A&M-Commerce (13-2) in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon.

Game 1: Texas A&M International 7, No. 5 Texas A&M-Commerce 5

The Dustdevils put up a run in the opening inning to take an early lead over the No. 5 ranked Lions. Maddison Schofield (2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI) smacked a solo home run off of Texas A&M-Commerce starter, Emily Otto (L, 7-1: 7 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 7 R, 2 K).

In the home half of the second inning, the Lions struck back with a run of their own on a throwing error by Maya Paul (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R) to knot the game at one run apiece.

Otto and Dustdevils starting pitcher Sara Caterson (W, 1-2: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 R, BB, 4 K) were then in the middle of a pitcher's duel as both starters were locked at one until the sixth inning.
Lindsey Smith (2-for-4, RBI) broke the tie and slapped a double into center field to score Paul and give the Dustdevils a one-run edge over the Lions (2-1).

In bottom of the sixth inning, the Lions scored a pair of runs courtesy of a pinch-hit RBI double by Serina Aguilar and a single by Chealsea Slider (2-for-4, RBI, R) that platted home Vanessa Muro gave Texas A&M Commerce a 3-2 lead.

TAMIU showed its resiliency as they were down to their final out when Paul hit a two-run double that ignited a two-out rally. On the next at bat, Paul crossed the plate thanks to a throwing error. Following the error, Schofield hit a two-run blast, her second home run of the game. The Dustdevils scored five runs before recording the final out of the inning and pushed their lead to four (7-3).

In the bottom of the final inning, the Lions scored a pair of runs and settled the 7-5 road victory for the Dustdevils.

 

Game 2: No. 5 Texas A&M-Commerce 6, Texas A&M International 2

In the bottom of the third inning, Jodie Hill (1-for-3, 2 RBI, R) broke the scoring ice by hitting a two-run double to left center field that plated home Kayla Kilcrease (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB) and Ta'Lyn Moody (2-for-3, R, 2 SB) off of starting pitcher, Jenika Lombrana (L, 1-3: 4 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, BB) to give Texas A&M-Commerce a 2-0 lead.

The Lions added to their lead on an RBI triple by Aguilar and an RBI double by Muro that gave them a four-run edge (4-0).

In the home half of the fourth inning, the Lions added to their lead on a two-run home run by Kilcrease that expanded their lead to six (6-0).

In the final inning, Jenelle Rodriguez broke up the shutout by Katie Dean (W, 5-0: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K). Rodriguez slapped a single to center field that scored Erin Mosley (1-for-2, RBI, R) and Denise Longoria (1-for-3, R). These would ultimately be the final runs of the game and seal the 6-2 win for Texas A&M Commerce.

The Dustdevils return home on Saturday, February 23 to open Heartland Conference play with a doubleheader against Oklahoma Christian University (12-1) at 12 p.m.