AUSTIN – St. Edward's used a steady stream of runs to win a pair of games against Western New Mexico Friday, taking game one 3-2 and game two 5-0.
GAME 1: SEU 3 – WNMU 2
Western New Mexico may have struck first with a run in the top of the first inning, but the Hilltoppers posted two in the second with some well-executed small ball to drive in the runs.
The Mustangs scored one in the third to briefly tie the contest, but a double to left center by
VALERIE BRANT drove in one run in the bottom top put SEU back on top 3-2.
St. Edward's was able to hold the Mustangs scoreless the rest of the way, working their way out of jams to close out the win.
LAUREN JARESH earned the win in the circle, entering in relief and allowing just one hit and one walk in three innings of work.
CADIE BELLE CURRIE secured the save, her first of the season. Brant led at the plate, going 2-3 with one RBI as the Hilltoppers posted six hits.
GAME 2: SEU 5 – WNMU 0
St. Edward's shot out of the gate in game two, loading the bases in the opening inning with no outs. Despite the huge opportunity the Hilltoppers were only able to push one across, leading 1-0.
Brant once again delivered in the third, driving home
KAYLEE MCQUILLAN with a one-out double to left field. With two outs and the bases loaded,
ALEXIS MASSIE drew a walk to bring one more home, bringing the count to 3-0 through three.
Brant made it happen again in the fourth with another RBI to put SEU on top 4-0 in the fourth. The Mustangs loaded the bases in the fifth with two outs, but starting pitcher
MCKENNA LEAMON and the SEU defense were able to get out of the jam unscathed.
KATHRYN CONNELLY sent a bomb over the left field fence, extending SEU's lead to five and the defense took care of the rest to close out the win.
Connelly was outstanding in game two, going 3-3 from the plate with one RBI. Brant continued her hot streak, going 3-4 with two RBIs.
Leamon earned the win in the circle, allowing just two hits with seven strikeouts to post the complete game shutout.
St. Edward's improves to 11-11 on the year and 7-9 in Lone Star Conference play. They return to action on Sunday, hosting UT Permian Basin for the annual Strikeout Cancer Game. First pitch of the double header is set for noon.