MARSHALL, Texas — A conference battle resulted in East Texas Baptist University securing a 3-1 and 4-1 victory over Hardin-Simmons University. Makayla Menchue recorded two home runs and four RBI's on the day, while Ryan Stratman recorded three hits, two stollen based a double, and was walked twice. Both Avery Holland and McKenzie Jones pitched complete games, with Holland throwing five strikeouts and Jones throwing two.
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.
Ryan Stratman recorded three hits, including a double, and added two stolen bases. Makayla Menchue hit a home run and collected two RBIs to bolster the offense. Piper Morton contributed with an RBI double and drew a walk. Avery Holland pitched a complete game, striking out five and allowing one earned run over 7 innings.
ETBU faced Hardin-Simmons in a game that concluded with a 3–1 victory for the Tigers. The third inning saw both teams score. Hardin-Simmons took the lead with a score on an RBI groundout. ETBU responded in the bottom half as Mallory Pyle scored after being hit by a pitch and advancing on a single and a walk. The score was tied at 1 after the third inning.
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. The inning ended with the Tigers leading 3–1.
ETBU maintained its lead as its pitching and defense kept Hardin-Simmons scoreless for the remainder of the game. The final score was ETBU 3, Hardin-Simmons 1.
Tiger Top Performers
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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.
Makayla Menchue recorded two RBIs and hit a home run, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. McKenzie Jones pitched a complete game, allowing only one earned run across 7 innings. Ryan Stratman added to the team's momentum with two stolen bases and drew a walk. Aleyna St. Jean also excelled on the basepaths, tallying two stolen bases.
The Tigers secured a 4–1 victory over Hardin-Simmons, with significant plays occurring in the third and sixth innings.
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 score remained 1–1 at the end of the fourth inning.
The decisive moment came in the sixth inning for the Tigers. Menchue hit a two-run homer, bringing home pinch runner Macie Mathis. Mallory Pyle doubled, followed by a single from Lanee Brown that allowed Pyle to score. ETBU extended its lead to 4–1 by the end of the sixth inning.
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.
