Softball Advances to NCAA Regional Championship with 10-1 Victory Over McNeese

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M softball team advanced to the NCAA College Station Regional championship with a 10-1 victory over McNeese in six innings Saturday at Davis Diamond.
 
The offense matched its season high in hits with 13 and push across 10 runs, scoring at least one run in the first four innings. The Aggies (42-16) were led by Sarah Hudek, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home and Riley Sartain, who drove in three with a two-RBI double and a solo home run. Kristen Cuyos also hit a home run, a two-run shot in the top of the sixth, to put the run-rule in effect.
 
In the circle, Lexi Smith (10-2) tossed four innings of two-hit relief while fanning a pair. Trinity Harrington got the start and threw two innings, giving up three hits and one run with a strikeout.
 
McNeese (41-20) starter Caroline Settle suffered the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits in three innings of work.
  KEY INNINGS
T1 | The Aggies jumped out to an early lead as Keeli Milligan earned a walk to lead off the game and quickly stole second, before scoring on a Hudek double down the left field line. Tori Vidales delivered a single up the middle, allowing Hudek to touch home. A&M 2, McNeese 0
 
B1 | McNeese answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Justyce McClain singled to the pitcher and advanced to third on a walk to Erika Piancastelli and fielder's choice. Alexandria Saldivar recorded the Cowgirls' only RBI of the game as she singled down the right field line, plating McClain. A&M 2, McNeese 1
 
T2 | Milligan singled down the left field line for her second hit of the game and scored on Hudek's homer over the left field wall. A&M 4, McNeese 1
 
T3 | The Aggies tacked on a run in the third on a solo shot by Riley Sartain. A&M 5, McNeese 1
 
 
T4 | Texas A&M put up a three-spot in the fourth as Hudek led off the inning with her second double and third multi-base hit of the game before Vidales reached base on a walk. Ashley Walters recorded a hit as Hudek took advantage of a throwing error by McNeese's second baseman to score. Sartain delivered a two-RBI single to left to score Vidales and George, who pinch ran for Walters. A&M 8, McNeese 1
 
T6 | Sartain reached base on a throwing error with two outs, before Cuyos blasted a homer over the left field wall. A&M 10, McNeese 1  
Top Offensive Players:
Sarah Hudek | 3-for-4, 3 R, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI
Riley Sartain | 2-for-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Keeli Milligan | 2-for-4, 2 R, BB
Kristen Cuyos | 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
 
Pitching Breakdown:
Lexi Smith (10-2) | W, 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
Trinity Harrington | 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
  ON DECK 
The Aggies face Baylor Sunday at 1:30 p.m. with the 'if necessary' game scheduled for 4 p.m. following the completion of the day's first game. The game can be seen on Watch ESPN and can be heard locally on Willy 1550 AM.
  STAY CONNECTED
Fans can follow the Aggies wherever they go by following @AggieSoftball on Instagram and Twitter or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TAMUSoftball.