Clarksville, Ark.-No. 3 Texas-Tyler claimed a double-header sweep Friday over the Lady Eagles with a 8-0 game one win and a 13-5 game two win.
Patriot starter Stacy Shepherd hurled a two-hitter in game one and allowed just three base runners in the American Southwest Conference contest. Shepherd did not issue a walk and struck out seven to remain perfect on the season (14-0). The Patriots (27-5, 12-4 ASC) plated one run in the first and two in the third to take a 3-0 lead. Texas-Tyler added three more in the fourth and Shepherd did the rest as she retired the side in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.
Stephany Henson (2-14) labored four innings to receive the loss.
In game two, Ozarks (7-27, 1-17 ASC) hung tough with the Patriots through five innings of play before Texas-Tyler homered twice in the sixth inning to open things up. The Lady Eagles took a narrow 2-1 advantage in the first behind a Kelsey Mefford RBI triple and a Nicole Ashley RBI single. Texas-Tyler registered two runs in the second and another run in the third to build a 4-2 lead after three. The Patriots pushed their lead to 6-2 in the top of the fifth, but Ozarks got one run back on a Kelsey Stephens RBI single. Trailing 7-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth, Ozarks put momentum in their favor with a four-hit, two-run frame. Morgan Goates and Sarah Otteman had back-to-back doubles to jumpstart Ozarks’ offense. After a sacrifice bunt, Ali Mathis delivered a single to score one. Mefford reached on an error, but Shepherd, who was inserted after Ozarks two doubles, recorded a strikeout for the second out. Rebecca Groff then singled to load the bases with two outs, and in perhaps the biggest play of the game, Shepherd recorded another strikeout to end the inning. The Patriots then seized control of the game with a five-run sixth inning.
The Lady Eagles posted nine hits, with Mathis and Mefford each finishing 2-for-4.
Henson suffered the loss after tossing five and one-third innings.
Tomorrow’s double-header against Texas-Tyler has been designated as “Senior Day”. Henson and Ashley will be recognized prior to the second game around 1:45 p.m.
Topics: Athletics