Zias drop LSC crossover opener

Freedom New Mexico

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Katie Raines pitched a complete-game seven-hitter and singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the fifth inning, and Southwestern Oklahoma turned back Eastern New Mexico University 4-2 on Friday in the Lone Star Conference softball crossover tournament.

Raines (7-5) allowed two unearned runs, with two walks and eight strikeouts. Catcher Sara Harwell added insurance with a leadoff homer to left-center, her eighth of the season, in the top of the seventh.

Junior Erin Roufosse (6-18), who was lifted after Harwell’s blast, allowing 13 hits in six-plus innings with one walk and three strikeouts. Sophomore Amanda Leal retired all three hitters she faced, striking out two.

The Lady Bulldogs (13-10) broke on top in the third with one-out singles by Summer Blackowl and Audra Chambless, the latter a bunt, and a two-out, two-run double to left-center by right fielder Kori Oord.

The Zias (10-24) pulled even in the bottom half, thanks to three Southwestern miscues.

Melanie Alderette reached on an error leading off, and Tessa Fiorriti was also safe when her sacrifice was misplayed. One out later, Emily Livingston drew a walk to load the bases.

Paige Colburn followed with an RBI single to left, and the second run scored on an error on Tonya Crockett’s grounder.

All nine Lady Bulldogs hit safely, led by Chambless with 3-for-4.

Lale went 2-for-3 and Colburn was 2-for-4 for the Zias.

ENMU is scheduled to play Cameron at noon and East Central at 2 p.m. (MDT) today, then wrap up the weekend event with games on Sunday against Southeastern Oklahoma at 9 a.m. and Northeastern State at 11 a.m.