SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Newman University softball team returned the favor Friday afternoon (Apr. 5) completing a twin bill sweep of St. Mary's shutting out the Rattlers 1-0 in the opener while overcoming a 2-0 deficit in the nightcap scoring four straight runs to complete the comeback, 4-2. The Jets improve to 10-27 on the season and improve to 4-18 in Heartland Conference play.
GAME 1
In the series opener, the Jets were held hitless through the first two innings until sophomore Bailey Bugner laced a leadoff single to right center to begin the third giving Newman their first baserunner of the game. After back-to-back outs, Bugner set up the Jets first scoring chance of the game swiping her first bag of the season. In the same at-bat, Lauren Kuhrt reached on a 2-out Rattlers fielding error allowing Bugner to score on the play scoring the game's lone run.
Newman hurler Dominique Payne tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while issuing seven walks and striking out two earning her fourth win of the season.
Lauren Kuhrt led the Jets in the opener going 2-for-3 with a steal. Lacey Colvin and Bailey Bugner each recorded a hit in the win.
GAME 2
Things started off rough for the Jets in the nightcap as the Rattlers jumped ahead 2-0 with four straight singles with 2-out.
In the top of the third, Bailey Bugner continued her strong performance roping a 2-RBI double to right center scoring Paige Wallace and Lauren Kuhrt tying the game up at 2-2. The Jets were unable to break through in the inning leaving the bases loaded.
After two straight scoreless innings, Bailey Horsch drew a leadoff walk to open the sixth, advancing to second one pitch later on a passed ball. The scoring threat looked to be diminished after two straight groundouts, until Paige Wallace laced a 2-out single to right field putting the Jets in front 3-2.
In the top of the seventh, Bailey Horsch added an insurance run 4-2, with another NU 2-out RBI single to left field scoring Emma Eck.
Payne (5-9) notched her second win of the day working 6.1-innings in relief allowing one run on five hits, walking two and fanning three Rattlers. Chantell Purcella got the start for the Jets pitching just 0.2-innings allowing one run on one hit earning a no-decision.
Eck led the offense for the Jets going 3-for-4 while tallying a run. Bugner drove in two-runs in the effort going 1-for-4 in game two.
Newman will look to take the season series from the Rattlers while looking to complete their first three game sweep of the season tomorrow afternoon (Apr. 6) at 1:00 p.m. from the park at StMU.
