By Alan Wiederhold
HT Athletic Communications
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Huston-Tillotson University's softball team continued its success as the newest member program of the HBCU Athletic Conference as the Rams defeated Oakwood (Ala.) 7-5 Saturday to open a three-game series.
Alexis Tamez pitched a complete game while Madison Stimpson's two-RBI single in the fourth inning proved to be the game-winner as the Rams (9-17) improved to 9-1 in conference play.
The late start time of 7:40 p.m. didn't faze the Rams, as six of their starters hit safely in the game while another – Alexis Gaona – drew three walks, scored two runs and had an RBI while not being charged with an at-bat. Isabella Roblero and Aliyah Resendiz each knocked two hits in the game, while Roblero also crossed the plate twice.
HT's production at the plate as enough of a margin for Tamez, who struck out six batters over seven innings while allowing only three earned runs. Tamez won her third consecutive start and upped her season record to 5-6.
The Rams took a 4-0 lead into the middle of the third before the Ambassador bats awoke in the bottom half of the inning. With two on and no outs, Jordan Howard knocked a long fly ball down the right field line and ended up scampering around the bases for an inside-the-park, three-run homerun. Two more Oakwood hitters reached safely before Tamez recovered to get the next three outs.
HT responded with two more runs in the top of the fourth when Stimpson hit a single up the middle to score Walker and Roblero.
With a 7-5 lead in hand, Tamez faced the minimum six batters over the last two innings to complete the win. A leadoff single in the sixth was negated by a popup on a bunt that was caught by Hailey-Jane Holder, who then threw to Gaona, who ran from her second base position to cover first and complete the double play.
The Rams conclude their series at Oakwood with a doubleheader Sunday, March 22. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
– HT –
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