Softball opens in San Antonio with a Win

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Texas A&M-Corpus Christi kicked off the 2018 season on Friday afternoon at the UTSA Classic. The Islanders beat Seton Hall by a count of 3-2 in their season opener to start the year 1-0.

After falling behind by one early in the game, Keagan Helson hit the first home run of the Islanders season to tie the contest, 1-1 in the fourth inning. The Pirates reclaimed the lead with a solo shot to left field, as Hailey Arteaga recorded her second tater of the year.

In the sixth inning, the Blue and Green's newcomers showed what they were made of. Transfer Kaylon Dunn reached on a fielding error with Kaylee Hoppins hitting a double to advance Dunn to third. Next up, Taelor Thomas doubled to left center scoring the two runners for a pair of RBI to shift the momentum in Corpus Christi's favor.

Alexis Tovar entered the game to pitch for Ashley Smith in the bottom of the fifth to finish out the game and get the win. Tovar only gave up one run, while  retiring eight of the 10 batters she faced on 36 pitches, for her first win since coming to the island. 

KEY INNINGS vs. Seton Hall
- Bottom of the 1st
>The Pirates took the lead with a single up the middle from Prukop scoring Walkden

-Top of the 4th 
> Keagan Helson drives the ball over right-center field to get her first home run with the Islanders. 

-Top of the 5th 
>Thomas lead off gets on -> bases loaded

-Bottom of the 5th 
>Wendel connects with Diaz to get the double play.
>Seton Hall take the lead 2-1 with a homer from Arteaga
???????
-Top of the 6th 
>Thomas doubled to left center scoring Hoppens and Dunn giving the Islanders a 3-2 lead

COMING UP NEXT
 The Islanders take on Southern Illinois at 9 am on Saturday before a rematch with Seton Hall at 2 pm.  The Salukis are coming off a championship season after claiming the 2017 MVC tournament title.

STAY SOCIAL
For all the latest information on Islanders Softball, be sure to follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersSBall) and Instagram (@islanderssball) and like the team on Facebook (Islanders Softball).

- Go Islanders -