ABILENE – The seventh inning was the key inning all series long at Poly Wells Field between ACU and McNeese. In game one, the Wildcats trailed by three and only scored twice. In game two, it was a five-run seventh to propel the visitors. And in game three Saturday, a 3-0 deficit fell a run short as the 'Cats (9-23, 2-13 SLC) dropped a one-run decision. McNeese (20-21, 11-4 SLC) swept the weekend in the first meetings between the schools since 2016.
Calie Burris, who pitched six strong innings in a no-decision on Friday, took the ball once again in the finale. The sophomore's only blemish through the first six frames was a steal of home in the fourth inning. Burris and McNeese starter Saleen Flores went pitch-for-pitch for six frames, with the visitors clinging to a 1-0 lead.
The seventh inning was the key for the offenses. Both teams broke through with runs. The Cowgirls added to its lead with a two-run double off Burris to push its advantage to 3-0. Burris' final line showed three runs on eight hits with three strikeouts. However, the two seventh-inning runs proved to loom large as ACU tried to rally in the home half.
ACU tallied six hits in the first six innings, but got things started in the seventh.
Kayla Keeling opened the inning with a bang with a double to right center field. With a runner on, head coach
Bobby Reeves used a pinch-hitter in the form of
Braeland Booth. Booth struck out, setting it up for freshman
Anna Grace Johnson. The rookie delivered in a big way.
Johnson roped one into right field, and the ball perfectly bounced past the right fielder and went to the wall. The Marion, S.C. native raced around the bags for an inside-the-park home run to cut the deficit to 3-2. It the first career homer for the freshman, but the 'Cats still trailed by one.
After a groundout,
Briana Tijerina and
Katelyn Belch both walked, puting the tying and winning runs on base. However, a
Linsey Tomlinson popout ended the game, and McNeese walked away winners.
ACU battled throughout the entire weekend, and fell just short in the seventh inning each time. The team is now 1-8 in one-run games this season.
ACU will hit the road next weekend for a three-game series with the Sam Houston State Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas. The doubleheader will take place on Friday, April 12 beginning at 4 p.m., with a single game to wrap the series beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Saturday's single game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
