Texas A&M International softball (1-3) briefly overcame a 4-0 first inning deficit, but were unable to hold on in a 13-7 loss to Arkansas Tech (1-2) in its third game at the 2021 Lion Invitational. The Dustdevils concluded the tournament with a 6-0 defeat at the hands of host #9 Texas A&M-Commerce (3-0).
 
Game 1: Arkansas Tech 13, Texas A&M International 7
 
Arkansas Tech quickly forced the issue to open Saturday's play at the 2021 Lion Invitational, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first, by way of a three-run and solo home run to gain an early lead.
 
The Dustdevils immediately responded in the top of the second to tie the game 4-4. Junior Darrian Smith opened the scoring with a three-run home run to cut the deficit to one. Sophomore Kristy Alanis drove in the tying run a couple batters later with a sacrifice fly.
 
TAMIU jumped in front 5-4 in the top of the fourth when Smith hit her second home run of the game. Smith's multi-home run made it now five consecutive seasons a Dustdevil has accomplished that feat.
 
Arkansas Tech regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth after scoring five runs to take a 9-5 lead. Of the five runs, two came across by way of hit by pitch and two more scored via a walk. The only run to score in the inning with a ball in play was an RBI groundout.
 
The Dustdevils cut the lead in half in the top of the sixth when LSC Preseason Player of the Year, junior Briana Arredondo, hit a two RBI double to make it 9-7.
 
Arkansas Tech didn't waste time adding to its lead, scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth to make it the final score of 13-7. In the inning, the Dustdevils walked in three more runs and allowed an RBI single.
 
Sophomore Paige Sasser was the pitcher of record in the loss with a line of: 1.2 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 H and a walk in relief.
 
Arkansas Tech used three pitchers in the win, with Lexy Taylor picking up the win in relief throwing two innings and allowing one run (earned), four hits, two walks and a strikout
 
Senior Melanie Lint got the start for the Dustdevils throwing 1 2/3 innings allowing four runs, all earned, four hits and a walk.
 
Smith, senior Miranda Martinez, sophomore Denise Longoria and freshman Chelsea Salinas all pitched in relief as well, combing for a line of: 2.2 IP, 7 R, 4 ER, 3 H, 9 BB and 3 K.
 
 
Game 2: Texas A&M-Commerce 6, Texas A&M International 0
 
Commerce didn't hesitate to open the scoring, as Kinsie Hebler belted a two-run home run in the top of the first to open a 2-0 lead.
 
The Lions added two more runs to take a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Madison Schaefer hit a two RBI double.
 
Commerce concluded the scoring in the bottom of the sixth when Ta'Lyn Moody hit a two-run home run, the Lions second of the game.
 
Sophomore Erika Cortez pitched a complete game for the Dustdevils, allowing six runs, all earned on nine hits to go along with nine strikeouts and a walk.
 
Offensively, TAMIU could only muster three hits off Lions starter Alyssa LeBlanc who allowed no runs, struck out six and walked one in the complete game effort.
 
Cortez, senior's Morgan Chavarria and Shelby Edwards and freshman Victoria Gonzalez all collected a single hit for TAMIU.
 
The Dustdevils are set to return to action in the ASU George & Ola McCorkle Challenge hosted by Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas. TAMIU will play five games over three days and begin the event against Ouachita Baptist. First pitch is scheduled for 10:45 on Feb 19.