Zias earn split, end losing streak to TexAnns

Sophomore Katie Ramsay pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief and also delivered a pair of hits on Friday as Eastern New Mexico University's softball team snapped a 14-game losing streak against Tarleton State with an 8-6 win in the opener of a Lone Star Conference doubleheader at Zia Softball Field.

The win was the first for the Zias over the TexAnns since a 3-1 win on March 10, 2007. TSU, though, scored five runs in the first inning en route to an 11-5 win in the nightcap.

The teams finish the series with a noon single game today.

Sophomore Albie Medina, who started the opener in the circle, drove in three runs for the Zias (12-30, 4-10 LSC) with a two-run single in the first and a fielder's choice in the second. Medina was chased, though, when Tarleton (20-15, 8-6) scored three times the top of the second, including a two-run homer by losing pitcher Randi Fentress.

ENMU opened an 8-3 lead with a three-run third, capped by a two-run single from first baseman Erica Armendarez. Tarleton scored an unearned run in the fourth and got back-to-back sacrifice flies from Amber Clifford and Kelsey Latta in the fifth, but managed only one baserunner the rest of the way.

Ramsay allowed five hits and three runs (two earned), with two walks and two strikeouts.

Fentress (11-10), who lasted just one-plus innings in the opener, worked 4 2/3 innings in relief in the nightcap as the TexAnns earned the split.

Catcher Bailee Mauldin drove in five runs with a two-run double in the first, a two-run homer in the fourth and an RBI double in the sixth.

Down 7-0, the Zias put together a four-run third to chase starter Brenna Hennan. Beatriz Caporal and Sirag opened with consecutive doubles, and Sirag later came home on a sac fly by Armendarez before Ramsay belted a two-run homer to center, her second of the season.