MARSHALL, Texas — An Amercican Southwest Conference battle resulted in No. 4 East Texas Baptist University securing a 3-1 and 4-1 victory over Hardin-Simmons University with two exciting home runs from Makayla Menchue recorded two home runs and four RBI. Ryan Stratman recorded three hits, two stolen bases and a double. Both Avery Holland, with five strikeouts, and McKenzie Jones, with two strikeouts, pitched complete games for the win.
Game One
ETBU 3, HSU 1
The Tigers scored in the third and fourth innings, with a home run contributing to their tally. The team managed eight hits and drew four walks, while its pitching staff held Hardin-Simmons to one run over nine hits, striking out five in the process.
Stratman recorded three hits, including a double, and added two stolen bases. Menchue hit a home run and collected two RBIs to bolster the offense. Piper Morton contributed with an RBI double and drew a walk. Holland pitched a complete game, striking out five and allowing one earned run over 7 innings.
The third inning saw both teams score. Hardin-Simmons took the lead with a score on an RBI ground out. ETBU responded in the bottom half as Mallory Pyle scored after being hit by a pitch and advancing on a single and a walk to tie the score at one.
In the fourth inning, ETBU gained the advantage. Julia St. John, pinch running for Emma Boren, stole second and scored on a two-run homer by Menchue to take the 3–1 lead.
ETBU maintained its lead as its pitching and defense kept Hardin-Simmons scoreless for the remainder of the game.
Tiger Top Performers
Ryan Stratman
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- 3 hits
- 1 double
- 2 stolen bases
Makayla Menchue
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- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
- 1 run
Avery Holland
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- 7 innings pitched
- 1 complete game
- 5 strikeouts
Game Two
ETBU 4, HSU 1
This victory was highlighted by a three-run sixth inning, which included a home run that extended the lead. ETBU's pitching staff limited Hardin-Simmons to one run and five hits over seven innings, while also recording two strikeouts and allowing three walks.
Menchue recorded two RBIs and hit a home run. Jones pitched a complete game, allowing only one earned run across seven innings. Stratman added to the team's momentum with two stolen bases and drew a walk. Aleyna St. Jean also excelled on the base paths, tallying two stolen bases.
In the bottom of the third, St. Jean singled and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Katelynn Jones. Stratman reached on a fielder's choice, but St. Jean was out at home. Stratman later scored on a single by Izabella Morales, giving ETBU a 1–0 lead at the end of the third inning.
Hardin-Simmons responded in the fourth inning with a single to drive in a run, tying the game at 1–1.
The decisive moment came in the sixth inning for the Tigers as Menchue hit a two-run homer, bringing home pinch runner Macie Mathis for a 3-1 lead. Mallory Pyle doubled, followed by a single from Lanee Brown that allowed Pyle to score putting ETBU up, 4-1.
The score held through the seventh inning, concluding with a final score of ETBU 4, Hardin-Simmons 1.
Tiger Top Performers
Ryan Stratman
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- 1 run
- 2 stolen bases
- 1 walk
Makayla Menchue
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- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
- 1 run
- 1 walk
Aleyna St. Jean
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- 1 hit
- 2 stolen bases
McKenzie Jones
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- 7 innings pitched
- 1 complete game
- 2 strikeouts
ETBU will be back at home tomorrow, facing HSU again at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
