Javelinas edge Zias to take series

PORTALES — Right fielder Jasmine Ross drove in three runs, including two with a seventh-inning triple, and Texas A&M-Kingsville beat Eastern New Mexico University 4-2 on Saturday in the rubber game of a three-game Lone Star Conference series at Zia Softball Field.

Ross’ triple, her first of the season, was a one-out shot to left-center in the top of the seventh and gave the Javelinas (16-7, 4-2 South) a 4-1 lead. Right-hander Courtney Rigamonti (13-3) surrendered Laura Thompson’s RBI double in the bottom of the seventh before nailing down her second win in the series.

Rigamonti finished with a three-hitter, walking three and striking out five. The only hit she allowed through six innings was a single by Alex Mayo Otis in the third.

Kingsville broke on top in the second when Shaun Bryan doubled to left-center and scored on a two-out single to center by Ross. In the third, Cassie Anderson hit a one-out double to left-center and scored on Yvette Berianga’s single to right.

Losing pitcher Kimberly Crouse (6-6) hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to center to get the Zias (14-10, 2-4) on the board in the bottom of the third.

Crouse retired 11 in a row from the third until the seventh, but gave up a one-out infield hit to Bryan. Melissa St. Clair then singled to left before Ross sent both runners home to give the Javs a three-run lead.

Crouse, who shut out Kingsville on two hits in a 10-0, five-inning win in Friday’s second game, allowed eight hits in this one with no walks and three strikeouts.