Texas A&M softball closes out Aggie Classic with a series win over ACU
Texas A&M Softball concluded the Aggie Classic with a 10-6 comeback win over Abilene Christian.
It was a difficult first outing for freshman starting pitcher Ashley Daugherty, who was pulled after 1/3 of an inning. In the top of the first, ACU started strong right off the bat, scoring off an RBI double and a two-run home run from the next batter. Kendall Potts relieved Daugherty, securing two outs without further damage.
In the bottom of the first, a bases loaded RBI groundout off the bat of Meagan Smith made the Wildcat lead 3-1.
Texas A&M added another one back in the bottom of the third. Makinzy Herzog scored on an RBI double by Haley Lee to bring the Aggies within one, down 3-2.
Potts threw for three consecutive scoreless innings, but the action picked up in the fifth. In the top of the inning, a fielding error that likely would have ended in a double play gave the Wildcats two on with no outs. ACU’s Blair Clayton drove a three-run homer to the scoreboard, her second home run of the day. Kayla Poynter relieved Potts, who finished the day with five strikeouts through four innings and one earned run allowed.
In the bottom of the inning, the Aggie bats got hot and gave life to a struggling offense. With bases loaded and one out, Campbell hit the equalizing grand slam, her first career home run. Next at-bat, Shaylee Ackerman tripled off the top of the wall and advanced home on a throw into the dugout, giving the Aggies a 7-6 lead.
With one on, Morgan Smith smashed a pinch-hit two-run homer over the wall, giving Texas A&M a 9-6 lead. Herzog got in on the action with a solo home run of her own, capping off an eight-run inning on three home runs.
Poynter finished the game in the circle, holding the Wildcats scoreless and hitless to solidify the win.
Texas A&M finished the opening weekend Aggie Classic 3-2; 2-0 against Abilene Christian and 1-2 against UT-Arlington. Up next, the Aggies host McNeese on Thursday with first pitch at 6 p.m. before hosting the Texas A&M Invitational.
Postgame Thoughts
“The inning before, I made an error at second base,” said freshman Jourdyn Campbell on her game-tying grand slam. “I came up calm and knew I needed to come up big for my team.”
It means the world to me. [Coming] through in that situation, I’m happy I was there for my team,” Campbell expressed about her first career home run.
“It did feel like a must win game,” said Coach Jo Evans. “I was very pleased to see us [fight back.] It’s going to be a key for us since we’re so young. I’m proud of them. I’m pleased of the way we came back today. I see a lot of room for growth.”
We worked hard on [hitting for power.] It’s been a focus to make sure we’re driving the ball. It’s nice to see something we’ve worked hard on come into fruition.”