DENTON, Texas (Feb. 21, 2023) – Texas Woman's softball (8-4) hit game one and game two out of the park not once, not twice, but five times. The Pioneers registered five home runs against Texas A&M International (7-9) and ended game one 8-0 in the fifth inning and closed out game two at 8-3 over the Dustdevils.
 
Beads, beignets, and cheer filled Dianne Baker Field on Tuesday afternoon, as the Pioneers left the Dustdevils stumped to mark a season high in home runs, runs scored and RBI's.
 
The Pioneers opened game one with Alyssa LeBlanc (4-2) on the mound. As the Dustdevils got off early with a single to right center, the Pioneers refused to let them get far and captured an out at first base. LeBlanc handled the rest and was quick to strikeout two more Dustdevils.
 
After a hit by pitch in the bottom of the second, Avery Boley took first. Makana Morton hit a single down right field, giving Avery Boley a chance to advance to third. The bases were loaded after Alexys Ginegaw walked to first. An additional walk from the Dustdevils brought Ciana Rodriguez to first and gave the Pioneers their first run of the day.
 
A home run from LeBlanc out to left center brought Tylar Lane home and added two runs to the Pioneers scoreboard.
 
The Dustdevils laid it on thick in the fourth inning. Trying desperately to score, they were immediately shut down by the Pioneer defense.
 
The Pioneers scored three runs in the fourth inning. The first run came from Ciana Rodriguez. After Rodriguez stole second Lane singled to center field for Ciana Rodriguez to bring it home. With a second home run from LeBlanc, Avery Boley was right behind her and banged one out to center field to close game one in five innings.
 
The Dustdevils made a strong attempt in game two to force a split. With runs in the second and third inning the Pioneers trailed the Dustdevils by two.
 
Kelsie Briggs (3-1) was the opening pitcher for game two, while Jalee McDonald (1-0) closed out the final two innings for the Pioneers.  
 
Ciana Rodriguez and Missy Wise refused to miss out on the action. A hit down the infield line sent Ciana Rodriguez home. Wise with a homer out to left field brought Kate Franz home in the bottom of the fourth inning.
 
The Pioneers went on a scoring run shortly after Wise's homer. Ginegaw, Marlow, and Lane each scored in the fifth inning. To close game two Marlow singled straight to the pitcher but managed to get on first. After stealing second Marlow advanced to third on an error from the Dustdevils catcher. Delaney Boley stepped up to the plate and was sure to bring Marlow home, ending game two 8-3.
 
At the plate, the Pioneers recorded 42 at bats in total. With eighteen in game one and 24 at bats in game two.
 
Of the five home runs scored this afternoon by the Pioneers, Ciana Rodriguez registered her first career home run in game two.
 
The Pioneers are back tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. against the Dustdevils in game three of the series at Dianne Baker Field.