SAN ANTONIO — UTSA softball split its doubleheader against the University of South Florida, winning game one 9-6 and losing game two 5-1 on Friday at Roadrunner Field.
Game One
The Roadrunners (20-21, 8-7 AC) rallied back from an early four-run deficit in the first game and won 9-6. UTSA junior pitcher Meredith Schmitt tossed 4.1 scoreless innings in relief to allow the team to come back. Clutch swings from sophomore outfielder Skylar Rucker, freshman outfielder Demiree Stafford and senior utility Madison Hornback helped secure the win.
Sophomore pitcher Reagan Stoudt was effectively wild to start the game. She walked three batters, allowed one to score on a wild pitch and surrendered a three-run home run to South Florida (29-12, 11-4 AC) infielder DaNia Brooks, putting the UTSA in a quick 4-0 hole.
In the bottom of the first inning, junior outfielder Taryn Madlock got the first RBI for the ‘Runners with a bases-loaded hit by a pitch, scoring Rucker. Afterwards, Stafford hit a two-run single to cut the lead to 4-3.
Schmitt replaced Stoudt and was impressive in relief. She struck out one batter and allowed four batters to reach base, keeping the game within reach.
“She’s gone into some tough situations and gotten us out of them,” coach Vann Stuedeman said of Schmitt’s performance. “I just thought she was doing a really good job. Normally, she’s just in and out, and I thought it was instrumental to the comeback.”
In the bottom of the fifth, Rucker’s solo home run, Stafford’s three-run triple, a throwing error by South Florida catcher Abbie DeWaters and Hornback’s RBI double gave the ‘Runners a 9-4 advantage.
Freshman pitcher Arlette Hernandez halted a late-game comeback by the Bulls in the sixth and seventh innings. Hernandez got the final two batters out in the seventh and secured the 9-6 victory.
UTSA got outhit 10 to eight, but the ‘Runners collected seven RBIs to South Florida’s five. Stafford led the team in hits and RBIs with two and four respectively.
Game Two
UTSA was unable to mount a comeback in game two. Freshman pitcher Aubrey Flores and junior pitcher Madison Collins kept the offense within striking distance, but were unable to capitalize on a bases loaded opportunity. A groundout to second base by freshman utility Brookleynn Meador ended the game 5-1.
Senior pitcher Katia Reyes and sophomore pitcher Ava Eldridge allowed the first five runs of the game. Reyes gave up a two-run bomb to South Florida outfielder Toryn Fulton, and Eldridge allowed a three-run single.
UTSA’s offense struggled to get on base, collecting two hits from Rucker and junior outfielder Samantha Mundine through the first five innings.
“We kind of dug a hole for ourselves,” Stuedeman said of the team’s performance. “But [Madison] Collins came in there and she was a stopper.”
Flores and Collins did a good job of keeping the game 5-0. Both pitchers allowed three batters to reach base.
The ‘Runners offense finally woke up in the bottom of the sixth. Rucker scored the team’s first run of the game, stealing home on a double steal attempt.
With the bases loaded and two outs for UTSA in the bottom of the inning, Meador grounded out to second base, ending the game 5-1.
UTSA got outhit again 8-7. The team collected zero RBIs to South Florida’s five. The ‘Runners struck out three times while South Florida struck out twice.
The Roadrunners will next face Texas State University at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Bobcat Softball Stadium.
