The Tarleton State Texans softball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, with two commanding victories over the Texas Southern Tigers.
The Texans secured back-to-back run-rule shutouts, winning both games of the doubleheader and maintaining their perfect record against the Tigers.
Texans’ Pitching Shines
In the first game, Tarleton State’s pitching staff set the tone for the day. Sophomore ace Emily Otto took the mound and delivered a stellar performance, striking out eight batters while allowing only two hits over five innings.
Otto’s dominance was evident from the start, as she retired the first nine batters she faced.
The Texans’ offense provided ample support for their pitching staff, scoring early and often. In the bottom of the first inning, junior shortstop Katy Schaefer launched a two-run homer to give Tarleton State an early lead. The Texans added three more runs in the third inning, capitalizing on a pair of Texas Southern errors.
Offensive Firepower Continues
Game two showcased the Texans’ offensive prowess, as they scored in every inning en route to another run-rule victory.
Freshman designated player Megan Rowe led the charge, going 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and four RBIs. Rowe’s performance earned praise from head coach Mark Cumpian, who said,
Megan has been a consistent force in our lineup all season. Her ability to hit for both average and power has been invaluable to our success.
The Texans’ pitching remained strong in the second game, with junior right-hander Tristan Bridges tossing a complete-game shutout. Bridges allowed just three hits and struck out six batters, showcasing the depth of Tarleton State’s pitching staff.
Building Momentum
With the doubleheader sweep, Tarleton State improved their overall record to 18-28 and 6-13 in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play.
While the Texans have struggled at times this season, their recent performances suggest they are finding their stride at the right time.
“These wins are a testament to the hard work and dedication our team has put in all season,” Coach Cumpian said. “We’ve faced some adversity, but our players have remained focused on improving every day. We’re starting to see the results of that commitment.“
Looking Ahead
The Texans will look to carry the momentum from their doubleheader sweep into their upcoming series against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Southern Utah, currently sitting at 19-27 overall and 5-14 in WAC play, will present another opportunity for Tarleton State to continue their winning ways.
As the season progresses, the Texans will aim to climb the WAC standings and position themselves for a strong postseason run. With their pitching staff finding its groove and their offense firing on all cylinders, Tarleton State has the potential to be a dangerous team down the stretch.
The Texans’ next home game is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd when they will host the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in another crucial WAC matchup
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