ABILENE – ACU split a pair of games with Eastern New Mexico Saturday afternoon at Wells Field. The Wildcats dropped their 13th one-run game 3-2 before winning via the run-rule 8-0.
The Wildcats got big production from their seniors on senior day most notably Jenny Kulp. Kulp went 4-for-8 with a double in each game. Her second double was her 21st of the season making her the single season leader passing Jessica Shirey who set the record in 2008.
Seniors Nancy Sawyers added a pair of hits while Caitlin Nabors added an RBI for ACU.
The Wildcats and Zias battled in a 2-2 tie until Eastern New Mexico broke the tie in the sixth inning. A single from Samantha Davis scored Melissa Williams who reached via a lead-off walk.
Shelby Hall earned the loss battling 6.1 innings giving up three runs, two of which were earned. Her counterpart Kimberly Crouse went the distance scattering nine hits only allowing two runs in the win. She also struck out six Wildcats.
In the nightcap the ACU bats came alive as they rode their way to a run rule victory, 8-0. Brittany Rexroat dealt a great game pitching a three hit shutout. She only walked one while striking out two.
ACU added a run in the second and another in the third to take a 2-0 lead.
The Wildcats big inning came in the fourth when Nancy Sawyers led off with a single. Stephanie Tingle would reach on another single and load the bases when Candice Miller reached on a fielder's choice. Caitlin Nabors would get her only RBI of the day as she grounded out to the right side scoring Amy Bransford who pinch ran for Sawyers.
Shawna Barrow would add another hit and an RBI as she reached on an infield single. Barrow would move to second on a stolen base before Missy Mendoza drove in both Barrow and Miller. Mendoza doubled to left giving her three RBIs for the game.
Jenny Kulp would pick up her first RBI and second hit of the game on a single to right center giving ACU a 7-0 lead. Kulp would end the game two innings later in the sixth on a single to left scoring Mendoza who reached earlier in the inning on a single through the left side.
ACU and Eastern New Mexico will hook up for the rubber game on Sunday at Wells Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Wildcats last regular season home game.
