Softball: McNeese run-rules Houston In midweek contest

LAKE CHARLES — McNeese softball scored at least one run in the first three innings in its 9-1 (5 inning) run-rule win over Houston Wednesday night in a midweek contest prior to its SLC opening weekend at Incarnate Word this weekend.

McNeese (16-9) scored three runs in the first inning, two in the second and one in the third to lead 6-1 then added three more in the fifth for the 9-1 win.

The Cowgirls collected 12 hits in the game with Chloe Gomez, Rylie Bouvier, and Kaylee Lopez all picking up two apiece. Gomez and Crislyne Moreno combined for four of the six Cowgirl RBI.

Moreno put the Cowgirls on the board with a two-RBI triple down the left field line for a 2-0 lead. A pass ball allowed Moreno to score for the 3-0 first inning lead.

Houston (12-13) avoided the shutout by scoring their only run of the game in the second inning on an RBI single by Brooke Lorenzo.

The Cowgirls took advantage of two Houston errors that allowed Mariana Torres to score then an RBI by Gomez pushed Delaney Dunham across the plate for a 5-1 lead after two innings.

A steal home by Lopez in the third inning put the Cowgirls up 6-1 before a three run fifth inning ended the game.

Alayis Seneca got the scoring going in the fifth inning with an RBI single through the left side that scored pinch runner Rylee Eyster for the 7-1 lead. A double down the right field line by Gomez scored Seneca then a single to first base by Bouvier scored Torres from third to end the game.

Freshman reliever Lindsay Davis picked up the win to improve to 3-1 on the year. Davis relieved starter Shaelyn Sanders who allowed one run on four hits in 2.0 innings. Davis threw three shutouts innings, allowing four hits with one strikeout and two walks.

McNeese, who entered the game leading the nation in double plays, record the final outs of the top half of the fifth inning on a double play that started with Torres at second base who tagged the runner from first then threw to Moreno at first to complete the double play. With tonight’s double play, McNeese now has 19 on the season.

Th Cowgirls will return to action this weekend when they will travel to Incarnate Word for their SLC opening weekend.

NOTES
• McNeese picked up 12 hits in the game
• Three of the hits were extra base hits (2 doubles, 1 triple)
• The Cowgirls stole seven bases
• McNeese scored at least one run in the first three innings to take the early lead
• Three players picked up two hits (Gomez, Bouvier, Lopez)
• McNeese turned one double play (5th inning)
• Chloe Gomez and Crislyne Moreno led McNeese with two RBI apiece
• Freshman Lindsay Davis picked up the win in relief to improve to 3-1