SAN ANTONIO – In a perfect world, the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball team would be able to take the results of the past two days, roll them up in a tight ball, and cram them down into the deepest recesses of their collective psyches, never to be spoken of again.
As it is, the Islanders are aware that the best course of action is to marinate on the three-game sweep at the hands of Incarnate Word University and use it as motivation. The Cardinals completed the sweep Saturday with a two-hit, 4-0 victory, coming on the heels of a 6-2 win and an 11-2 run-rule win during the series-opening doubleheader on Friday.
A&M-Corpus Christi (15-9 overall, 3-3 in the Southland Conference) never could find a foothold in any of the three games, falling behind in the first inning of each game and never enjoying a lead in any of the 20 innings. The Islanders got outscored 21-4 overall and failed to score in 17 of the 20 innings, including going down 1-2-3 in 10 of those.
UIW (16-6, 4-2) used just three pitchers during the weekend, and they combined for a 1.80 ERA, 16 hits, 20 strikeouts and just four walks.
Six of those strikeouts came Saturday as UIW starter Samantha Portillo faced just two batters over the minimum. The Islanders went in order in each of the first four innings before pinch-hitter
Paolina Baez lined a double over the head of the leftfielder for A&M-Corpus Christi's first hit of the game. Baez eventually go to third but no further, which continued a disturbing trend for the Islanders.
A&M-Corpus Christi hit just .182 (4-for-22) with runners in scoring position during the three games, while UIW hit .324 (12-for-37). The Islanders loaded the bases just once during the weekend (resulting in a two-out popup), while UIW was 3-for-8 with the bags full.
The Islanders' only other hit Saturday came in the sixth inning, when pinch-hitter
Mimi Thornton lofted a leadoff single into right-center field. But the Islanders couldn't get anyone past first base, then went in order in the seventh inning to end the series.
Siarah Galvan took the loss, though she threw two effective innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks. She was relieved by Ariella Sainez, who went the final four innings and was equally as effective, also giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks.
The Islanders will look to erase the stench of the UIW series with a midweek doubleheader Tuesday on the road against Prairie View A&M.
TAMUCC (15-9, 3-3 SLC)
Friday, March 15 – vs. UIW, L (6-2)
Friday, March 15 – vs. UIW, L (11-2, 6 inn.)
Saturday, March 16 – vs. UIW, L (4-0)
On Deck: The Islanders next will travel to Prairie View for a midweek doubleheader against Prairie View A&M. Game 1 will start at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, with Game 2 starting approximately 30 minutes after Game 1.
Next Home Game: The Islanders begin a three-game SLC series against Northwestern State on Friday, March 22 at Chapman Field. The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at noon Friday followed by a single game beginning at noon Saturday, March 23.
Stay Social
For more information on Islanders Softball, keep up with the team via their Facebook page (
Islanders Softball) and follow the program on Twitter (
@IslandersSball) and Instagram (
islanderssball).
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