JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The UTSA softball team was swept on day two of the Jacksonville State Invite.
Game one: Samford
Four runs in the fourth helped the Bulldogs take an early lead and garner the game.
Through the first inning, both teams had one hit and left two on to open the game.
In the bottom of the fourth, Samford scored four runs from three singles, a double and a walk to lead 4-0.
The third resulted in a 1-2-3 inning for both teams.
Riley Grunberg opened the fourth with a walk and Taylor Medina followed with a single down the left line. Victoria Villarreal was hit by a pitch as runners advanced. With bases loaded, Hannah Boring hit a home run to left field for her first career grand slam and tied the game. Celeste Loughman closed the three-hit inning with a single to center field, but couldn't make it home. In the bottom of the frame, the Bulldogs scored four more runs from a three-run homer and a double to lead 8-4.
In the bottom of the sixth, Samford added two more runs from a two-run homer to lead 10-4 and take the game.
Madison Nelson fell to 2-1 on the season, pitching 4.2 innings with two strikeouts after replacing Marena Estell in the second.
Game two: Jacksonville State
The Roadrunners came back in the seventh, but fell short to Jacksonville State.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Gamecocks scored a run from a single and a double to take the lead.
The Roadrunners tied the game in the fifth. Celeste Loughman hit a solo homer to center field, tying the game.
JSU added three more runs in the sixth to lead 4-1.
In the top of the seventh, Hannah Boring opened with a single to left field. With one out, Madison Washington earned a walk and Kindell Brooks followed with a single as runners advanced. With bases loaded, Riley Grunberg doubled to score Gabby Leggington (pinch runner) and Boring to bring the Roadrunners within one (3-4). Taylor Medina walked to load the bases once again, but a fly out and a strikeout ended the inning and the game.
Erika Cortez dropped to 4-4 on the season, pitching six inning with 11 strikeouts. Both teams recorded six hits on the game.
UTSA returns to action on March 4 when it travel across town to UIW. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
-UTSA-
