Texas Tech Wins Two Over West Texas A&M
October 17, 2006 | Softball
Oct. 17, 2006
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech hosted West Texas A&M in a pair of scrimmage games at Rocky Johnson Field, winning the two games, 3-1 and 6-0, to complete their fall practice games without a loss (there was a tie with North Texas at the tournament in Houston) and without the defense committing an error through six games.
In game one, the Red Raiders scored in the bottom of the first when leadoff hitter center fielder Ashley Parker singled, advanced to second, then third on a bunt single (plus an error) by left fielder Megan Shupp and scored on a ground ball out by designated player Jennifer Corkin.
The Buffaloes answered in the top of the fourth on a two-out home run by short stop Kelsi Jensen.
The score remained knotted at one until the fifth when Tech catcher Robyn Wike doubled off the fence in left center to open the frame. Leah Legler pinch ran and advanced to third on a single by short stop Heather Parker. A. Parker then ripped a double scoring both Legler and H. Parker. The three runs were all that were needed as junior pitcher Sarah Losleben and sophomore pitcher Alex Watkins combined to limit West Texas A&M to two hits in the game.
In the nightcap, the Red Raiders didn't waste any time posting runs as Texas Tech came up with four in the first. Sophomore first basemen Liz Eimen singled with one out, advanced on a passed ball and scored on a Corkin double. Freshmen second basemen Danielle Matthews knocked in Legler (running for Corkin) and then Matthews scored on a double by right fielder Montana Patin. Freshmen short stop Amanda Myers drove in Patin with a double of her own to join in the first-inning frenzy.
The Red Raiders pushed another run across in the second when Legler drew a lead off walk, stole second and scored on a double by Eimen.
Freshmen pitcher Ashly Jacobs struck out three in three innings of work and allowed only one hit. She gave way to classmate Rachel Wheeler who worked the next two frames allowing only one hit and striking out one. Sophomore Megan Shupp closed the final two innings out allowing one hit and striking out one, as each member of the pitching staff saw action.
Texas Tech picked up its final run in the fourth when junior designated player Devin Zaragoza singled, advanced to second on a passed ball, stole third and then scored on an A. Parker ground ball to second base.
During the fall, teams may practice together (as mandated by the NCAA) for a total of four weeks. Games held during this time count toward a total number of competitions allowed by the sanctioning body, but none of the results or statistics collected are recorded any further. So, while it's nice to say that Texas Tech opened the season 5-0-1, the season officially begins in February when the Red Raiders travel to Arizona State to compete in a tournament in Tempe, Ariz.
Still, the wins, the solid pitching and hitting, and the fact that the defense committed no errors through the six games is a solid foundation for the team to take into its final two weeks of team practice in the fall as it works toward that beginning official competition date on February 9.
