Silver City, New Mexico (April 20, 2024) - The Texas Woman's softball team took the victory in game three against Western New Mexico with four home runs in a gripping showdown that ended 6-5.
After going 1-1 in the doubleheader yesterday, TWU (23-27, 12-8) took the series home after winning game three over WNMU (9-37, 5-16) and solidified its seventh place in the Lone Star Conference standings with only one regular season series left.
TWU took an early lead demonstrating their offensive power with a strong start in the top of the first innings, securing a 1-0 lead after Hawwa Townsend solo homered to center field.
After second and third scoreless innings, Alyssa LeBlanc hit her first solo home run of the game to center right field, collecting a single RBI in the top of the fourth inning.
The Mustangs responded quickly and got on the board in the bottom of the fourth right after LeBlanc's home run. A single up the middle pushed an unearned run for WNMU and put the game 2-1 after the fourth inning. The Pioneers continued on the lead.
WNMU took the temporary lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with a solo home run and another unearned run after a fielder's choice.
The Pioneers, displaying exceptional resilience and determination, tied things up in the top of the sixth inning. LeBlanc and Elizabeth Smith hit a couple of singles and put the Pioneers in scoring position with runners in first and second base. LeBlanc advanced to third after Delaney Boley reached on a fielder's choice. Piper Morton hit a sacrifice fly that collected an RBI and sent LeBlanc to home base.
After a scoreless seventh inning, the Pioneers, who were motivated to take game three, opened the eighth inning with two runs. A couple of solo home runs from LeBlanc and Makana Morton gave TWU their final two runs of the game.
WNMU scored a couple of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but it was not enough to take the game from TWU.
LeBlanc (14-11) pitched her second entire game of the series, an eight game inning with a total of 23 at bats. The senior stuck out eight Mustangs and took the win for the Pioneers.
LeBlanc also led the Pioneers on the offensive efforts with three hits and three runs of four at bats. Smith also hit three out of three opportunities in the batting circle.
The Pioneers victory against Western New Mexico adds another important accomplishment as the regular season comes to an end. With one more conference series to play, TWU sits on the seventh place of the conference standings.
TWU is back in action on Friday, April 26 against St. Edward's for the last series of the regular season at home. Be sure to come support the Pioneers at 6 p.m. at Dianne Baker Field.
-PIONEERS-
