ABILENE, Texas – Lamar University softball salvaged their four-game road trip with a 6-3 victory in game two of a doubleheader over Abilene Christian Saturday afternoon at Poly Wells Field.
Numerous firsts took place during the game. Freshman pitcher Haila Linton (2-7) tossed her first career complete game. She also secured her first win in conference play.
On the second pitch, sophomore infielder Sam Bean blasted a leadoff home run to give the Cardinals (9-24, 4-11 in WAC play) an early 1-0 lead. It is Bean's first collegiate home run. She would finish 3-for-3, a double shy of the cycle.
After surrendering a run in the bottom of the second, Big Red added a run in the top of the third. Back-to-back walks issued to Bean and junior infielder Nicolette Ramirez allowed Bean to score on a fielder's choice nabbing Ramirez at second base.
Junior catcher Felixia Hinojosa extended her on-base streak to 12 games when she doubled to right center in the fourth inning. Hinojosa would push the lead to 3-1 while scoring on an error.
Bean and Ramirez continued pestering the Abilene Christian (19-19, 10-5 in WAC play) defense by opening the fifth inning with singles. Both would score on a throwing error, providing LU a 5-1 lead. The duo at the top of the lineup would not be finished though. Bean led off the seventh inning with a triple. She would score on a Ramirez double to left-center, giving LU a 6-2 lead. The Wildcats would cut the deficit to three in the bottom of the inning, but that would be all.
Together, Bean and Ramirez reached base seven times and produced five of the Cardinals' seven hits. Linton struck out five while allowing three earned runs on 11 hits and one walk.
Big Red dropped the first game of the day 16-4. Senior infielder Kaylee Ancelot blasted her fifth home run of the season, a three-run shot which cut the deficit to 6-4 before Abilene Christian scored seven runs in one inning. Sophomore outfielder Hayley Freudenberg also blasted a home run, her second of the season.
LU now turns its focus to a midweek game against Southern. Big Red has won three of its last four home games. They will look to continue their winning ways in the Golden Triangle during a five-game home stand. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the LU Softball Complex.
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