Aggie softball splits doubleheader with UT-Arlington to open 2020 season

Game One: Texas A&M 2-0

Texas A&M softball took game one of the Opening Day doubleheader on a two-run homerun by Meagan Smith in the bottom of the fifth. In a great defensive effort, Makinzy Herzog started and completed the game in the circle, allowing four hits and two walks on no earned runs. 

The Aggie offense couldn’t get going through the start of the game and failed to advance runners to scoring position. The Mavericks threatened early, but strong pitching by Herzog backed by the Aggie defense held UT-Arlington scoreless. 

The Aggies found themselves in a bases-loaded jam with two outs in the top of the third. Herzog was able to pitch out of the inning unscathed, keeping the score knotted at zero. 

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Makinzy Herzog allowed just four hits and two walks during her day on the mound in game one.

In the top of the fourth inning, a two-out single gave the Mavericks a baserunner, but a quick lineout to centerfield put an end to any scoring threat. Back at the top of the lineup in the bottom of the fourth, the inning looked promising for the Aggies when Herzog drew a leadoff walk. However, she was caught stealing and the Aggies were left hitless and scoreless through the end of the fourth. 

Texas A&M was without a hit or runner in scoring position through two outs in the fifth inning until Jourdyn Campbell doubled to give the Aggies life. Next at-bat, designated player Smith sent one out over the right field wall to break the stalemate and give the Aggies a 2-0 lead going into the final two innings. 

Texas A&M cruised to victory after the go-ahead home run, securing the win on just two hits to earn their first victory of the season.

Game Two: UTA 7-2

The Aggie offense couldn’t find its rhythm in game two while the Mavericks’ hitting came alive, resulting in a Texas A&M loss.  

After a strong defensive effort in game one, Texas A&M was off to a rocky start in the top of the second. The Mavericks threatened with bases loaded on one out, ultimately scoring four in the inning off a pair of infield errors. Down 4-0, Meagan Smith hit a shot to the left field scoreboard to bring the Aggies within three in the bottom of the second. 

The Mavericks added to their lead in the top of the third off an RBI double scoring two to extend the lead to 6-1. In the bottom of the inning, Makinzy Herzog responded with a solo homerun, reducing the deficit to four. However, the Mavericks earned that run back in the fourth, earning a comfortable 7-2 lead.  

Beyond the two home runs, the Aggies couldn’t string together enough hits to go on a scoring run. The Mavericks carried their 7-2 lead through the final inning, evening the tournament series at 1-1. 

Postgame

“I just wanted to be on time with the pitching,” said sophomore designated player Meagan Smith on her go-ahead home run. “I just tried adjusting and hitting the other way. I knew it was going to land, I just didn’t know it would land over the fence, so that was a nice surprise. I’m more confident in myself. I believe when I’m confident, I can do anything.”  

“[Herzog] made big pitches when she needed to and our defense made routine plays,” said Coach Jo Evans on game one. “We got what we needed. I was proud of Jourdyn [Campbell] to give us momentum right there. I was really happy for [Smith], it was a big hit.”

“We have to tighten up defense,” said Coach Evans on game two. “I thought we showed a lack of maturity when the game sped up on us; those are plays you have to make ten out of ten times.”

Up Next

The Aggie Classic continues on Saturday with a doubleheader against Abilene Christian in game one and UT-Arlington in game two with first pitch at noon.