DENTON, Texas — Midwestern State experienced a rollercoaster of outcomes in a doubleheader against Texas Woman's University on Friday at Dianne Baker Field. The Mustangs fell 14-0 in the first game but bounced back to secure an 8-0 victory in the second matchup.
**Game 1 Recap:**
Midwestern State struggled to capitalize on their nine hits, leaving seven runners stranded on base. TWU took an early lead with an unearned run in the first inning, making it 1-0. The second inning saw TWU extend its lead by scoring three runs. Trinity Perry was hit by a pitch and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Marissa Espinoza. Tamia Cherry tripled down the left field line, driving in Zaryah Williams and Riley Todd, making the score 4-0.
The Mustangs had a promising opportunity in the third inning when
Myka Riley,
Hayeli Acosta, and
Chipper Mayorga each singled, loading the bases with two outs. However,
Marisela Landa lined out, leaving the runners stranded, and the score remained 4-0. In a pivotal fourth inning, TWU recorded 10 runs, with key plays including an RBI single by Cherry and a two-RBI double by Espinoza. The inning featured multiple errors and hit batters, contributing to the unearned runs. At the end of the fourth, TWU led 14-0.
Despite efforts in the fifth inning, the Mustangs were unable to score, concluding the game with a final score of 14-0 in favor of TWU.
Myka Riley delivered a perfect performance at the plate, finishing with three hits in three at-bats. Acosta contributed two hits, and Mayorga also secured two hits. In the circle,
Isabela Cornell recorded one strikeout in two innings, allowing four runs on three hits.
Shyanne Florence followed with 1 2/3 innings of relief, yielding 10 runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits and one walk while striking out one batter.
Kaylin Salazar closed out the game, pitching 1/3 of an inning, allowing one hit and recording a strikeout without conceding any runs.
**Game 2 Recap:**
The second game showcased a complete-game shutout by pitcher
Kayleigh Bowers, who allowed just three hits over five innings. Midwestern State took an early lead in the first inning when
Hayeli Acosta singled through the left side and later scored on a
Tatum Waller single, which was followed by a throwing error.
Chipper Mayorga, who was hit by a pitch, also crossed the plate on a ground out by
Marisela Landa, giving MSU a 2-0 lead.
The Mustangs expanded their lead in the third inning with a five-run explosion. Mayorga walked and advanced to third base after a series of walks, setting the stage for
Stormy Daniel's RBI single through the right side.
Paige Scanlin then hit a grand slam, bringing home Daniel,
Sydnie Rios, and Landa, pushing the score to 7-0 after three innings. In the fifth inning, MSU added another run when Landa singled, advanced on a sacrifice bunt from Rios, and scored on a fielding error, concluding the game at 8-0.
Paige Scanlin's grand slam was a highlight of the game, while Landa contributed with two runs and one RBI, and Mayorga crossed the plate twice. Bowers delivered a standout performance, facing 19 batters and throwing 72 pitches, with 45 of those being strikes. Her effort included inducing nine groundouts and three flyouts, effectively stifling the TWU offense and securing her first win of the season.
In their next game, MSU will face UT Tyler on Sunday, March 29, at 1 p.m. CT in Tyler, Texas.
