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Texas A&M Softball Goes Undefeated on Opening Weekend

By Shelbie Warr

Aug 3, 2016; Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Birmingham Thunderbolts helmets line the dugout during the game against the OC Batbusters at Huntington Beach Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2016; Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Birmingham Thunderbolts helmets line the dugout during the game against the OC Batbusters at Huntington Beach Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saturday, Texas A&M vs Central Michigan

Play started up for the Aggies at half past noon on Saturday. Freshman Payton McBride took over the circle for the start of the game, surrendering five runs on eight hits. Samantha Show found herself in the circle again for the Aggies, pitching the final three innings and earning the win for the afternoon on a one hit and no run performance.

The Aggie offensive attack jumped Central’s starter Rachael Knapp early and often for 8 runs on 10 hits in the early afternoon match up. They scored in all but one frame, staying ahead of Central Michigan most of the game.

Tori Vidales opened up the scoring early in the first with an RBI double to left center, scoring Kaitlyn Alderink. Vidales would later score on a Riley Sartain single to left.

Central Michigan took the lead in the top of the second on a three run homer off of Aggie starting pitcher McBride, but an unearned run would score for the Aggies in the bottom of the second on a throwing error. The errant throw allowed Vidales to steal second and freshman Kelbi Fortenberry to make it home to tie the game.

In the home half of the 3rd, the Aggies took a 4-3 lead off of back to back doubles by Kristen Cuyos and Erica Russell.

Show Puts on Another Show

After a 1,2,3 scoreless 4th for both sides, Central Michigan took a 5-4 lead in the top of the 5th. Both runs scored were credited to McBride. Samantha Show entered the game with bases loaded and no outs, allowing only a single before retiring the next three hitters.

Show once again helped her own cause, starting the home half of the inning off with a single to right field. Miranda Miles once again came in as her pinch runner, eventually coming around to score on a Kristen Cuyos single to tie the game.

Samantha Show worked a quick 1,2,3 sixth inning, allowing the Aggies a chance to take the lead in the home half. Take the lead they did, tabbing three runs on three hits in the inning. Sarah Hudek started the Aggies off with a single to left, advancing to second on a sac bunt and then to third on an infield single by Kaitlyn Alderink. Vidales walked to load the bases only to have them cleared by Ashley Walters on a double to deep center giving the Aggies a 8-5 lead.

Show set Central Michigan down in order to help the Aggies, and herself, improve to 2-0 on the season.

Saturday, Texas A&M vs Ohio State

Junior Lexi Smith took the mound for the Aggies in the afternoon game on Saturday. Smith transferred from Temple College, where she tossed five no-hitters, including a 14 inning perfect game against Vernon College with 32 strike outs. She earned the win on Saturday, pitching the full five innings allowing five hits and one run; a home run in the top of the first.

Once again, Tori Vidales came in hot. Her two run home run in the bottom of the first, scoring Fortenberry, put the Aggies up 2-1. They would not trail again for the rest of the afternoon. Vidales added a triple to her day, scoring Alderink in the 3rd. Samantha Show homered in the 4th.

The Aggies won a drama-less five inning game 9-1 improving to 3-0 on the season and giving Smith the win in her first career start.