Texas A&M
Nebraska
No. 18 Aggies Split Doubleheader at Nebraska
Apr 03, 2010 | Softball
April 3, 2010
LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 18 Texas A&M softball team rallied for a come-from-behind, 6-3, win at Nebraska before falling, 8-3, for a doubleheader split on Saturday afternoon at Bowlin Stadium.
The Aggies (30-9, 3-2 Big 12) fell behind early in both games, but fought back and scored five runs in the sixth inning for the win in game one. The Huskers (21-16, 1-3 Big 12), however, put up a six-spot in the sixth inning of the second game for the victory.
"We had the momentum from the first game and didn't carry it with us," said A&M head coach Jo Evans. "We had our opportunities early, but took ourselves out of the innings. We let them hang around and they are the type of team that if they get enough looks, they're going to start hitting the ball and that's what happened. It's disappointing for us to leave with a loss.
"That one big inning was tough to swallow. I'm pleased to get the first win, it's just tough in the last couple games we've played, we felt like we've had a chance to win it with the lead late, but not being able to finish it off is tough."
The Huskers started the scoring early in the first game, plating one run in the bottom of the first. NU's first three batters singled and Ashley Guile picked up an RBI after plating lead-off Heidi Foland from second.
Nebraska added to its lead in the second as Gabby Banda began the frame with a double off the left-center wall and was sacrificed to third. A failed squeeze bunt attempt caused Banda to get in a run down, but an errant throw allowed her to score from third. The next two hitters each singled for the second time in the game and this time Nikki Haget drove in Foland from second for a 3-0 Husker lead.
The Aggies took back a run in the top of the third. The first three batters, sophomore Lauren Schwirtlich and junior Rhi Kliesing then skied a pop fly just into the grass behind third base. A wind that was gusting up to 26 mph blew the ball in circles and the Huskers could not come up with the catch, giving Kliesing an RBI single to bring A&M within two, 3-1.
Behind relief pitcher Rebecca Arbino, A&M retired Nebraska in order in the fourth and fifth innings.
The Aggies took the momentum into the sixth and rallied for five runs and their first lead of the game. Pinch runner Macie Morrow from third, and freshman Meagan May found a hole in shallow center to plate Orsak on an RBI single. The Aggies were not done there as Kliesing went opposite field with a line drive and Schwirtlich crossed the plate for a 6-3 A&M lead.
"Our players did a nice job and controlled their at bats and it made all the difference," commented Evans. "We had some players step up and get some big hits. Becca came in and did a really nice job. She really slowed game down for us and then set the tone and pace for the game. Our bench really made the difference for us in our big inning."
Arbino (16-5) threw five innings and retired 12 straight for her first conference win. She gave up three hits and struck out three. In two innings of work, Dumezich allowed six hits, three runs, walked one and fanned two.
Robin Mackin (8-9) tossed five and one-third innings for the loss. She gave up four hits, six runs (two earned), walked seven and added nine K's.
The Huskers put the first run on the scoreboard again in the second game. In the first frame, Haget was hit by a pitch and scored on an infield single by Julie Brechtel.
The Aggies came back with two in the third. Senior Bailey Schroeder led off with an infield single on a pop fly that was blown around by the wind. Orsak then reached on a fielder's choice sacrifice bunt to put runners on first and second. Spittler's one-out single up the middle scored Schroeder and Reynolds' two-out, bases-loaded walk allowed Orsak to cross the plate for the 2-1 A&M lead.
Back-to-back doubles by Guile and Brechtel in the bottom of the third evened the score, 2-2.
May helped the Aggies regain the lead in the fifth with a solo home run to right center. It was her 17th home run of the season, which moved her into second on the season record list and 10th on the career list.
Nebraska put up a six-spot and regained the lead in the sixth behind three home runs and a double. Brooke Thomason hit a solo shot, Alex Hupp and Foland each connected for two-run long balls, and Guile laced an RBI double.
Arbino (16-6) went five and one-third innings in the loss. She allowed seven hits, five runs, no walks and struck out two.
Hagemann (10-8) picked up the victory throwing all seven innings and giving up three runs on five hits, walking two and fanning seven.
The Aggies play the first of a five-game homestand on Tuesday against Stephen F. Austin before hosting No. 17 Texas on Wednesday. First pitch on Tuesday is set for 6 p.m.
