COMMERCE, Texas – The Eastern New Mexico University softball team earned a 5-4 series opening win over Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday, but dropped the nightcap, 7-1, to the Lions. With the split, ENMU moves to 17-25 on the year and 10-10 in Lone Star Conference play.
In the day’s first action, Audrey Velasquez, Susannah Chandler and Kamalani Peneku all logged multi-hit performances while Chandler added three RBI on a home run. Starting pitcher Kaylee Rogers earned the win, scattering nine hits and five walks for four runs with three strikeouts. The Keller High School product improved to 13-12 on the year following the victory.
ENMU struck for four runs in the top of the fifth in game one to take the lead for good after trailing 2-1. Kamalani Peneku singled up the middle to open the frame. After back-to-back flyouts, Erikka Burke lifted a double to right-center to score Peneku from first and tie the game. Following a Kylee Keller hit-by-pitch, Susannah Chandler blasted a three-run bomb to give the Greyhounds a 5-2 lead.
Things got interesting for the Green and Silver in the sixth after Commerce loaded the bases with two outs. A two-run single down the right field line cut the ‘Hounds’ lead to one, but Rogers fanned Mariah Jameyson on three pitches to strand the tying run at third base.
In game two, the Greyhounds fell behind 3-0 after the first inning and weren’t able to mount a comeback in the 7-1 setback. Velasquez paced the offense, going 2-for-4 while Chandler drove home Eastern’s lone run in the seventh. Adriana Carabajal drew a team-leading three walks.
The Greyhounds return to the diamond tomorrow at noon for the rubbermatch against Commerce. For all the latest news on ENMU athletics, follow @ENMUSoftball and @ENMUAthletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
