ALPINE, TEXAS – #1 UT Tyler softball moved to 13-0 on the year and 4-0 in LSC play behind a pair of run rule wins on Sunday against Sul Ross State.
 
The Patriots scored 32 combined runs on 34 combined hits on the day and surrendered just just five hits and one run on the defensive side in a lights out effort.
 
GAME ONE
 
The Patriots would take game one of the day in huge fashion with a final score of 17-0.
 
In the first inning, wasted no time in taking an early lead with a run scored by JT Smith, who advanced to third on a sacrifice and crossed home plate on a double by Alaunah Almaraz. The Lobos managed two hits but could not capitalize, leaving two runners on base as the inning closed with a 1-0 Patriots avantage.
 
The second inning saw a significant surge from the Patriots, with Taryn Barney hitting a two-run homer to left center, followed by a series of decisive plays that included an RBI double by Sam Schott and an RBI single by Bailey Krolczyk. Almaraz and Jordyn De Los Santos contributed further, bringing the inning's run tally to seven, making the score 8-0. The Lobos were retired in order as they struggled to mount a response.
 
UT Tyler extended their lead in the third inning with an offensive explosion, scoring eight more runs. Ka'Lyn Watson hit a grand slam to center field, driving in four runs. The inning was punctuated by Abbie Behe's solo homer, bringing the score to 16-0. Sul Ross St. was unable to counter, as they went down in order, maintaining the shutout.
 
In the fourth inning, the Patriots would add their final run of the game as Angelique Rangel's RBI single extended the lead to 17-0. The game concluded after the fifth inning as the Patriots secured a dominant victory with a final score of 17-0, supported by 16 hits.
 
Sam Schott contributed with two runs and two RBIs, Alaunah Almaraz drove in three runs and scored two, and Ka'Lyn Watson tacked on a grand slam.
 
Primrose Aholelei pitched 3 innings without allowing a run, striking out six batters while giving up two hits and no walks. Kaylee Harris contributed 1 inning of relief, allowing one hit and striking out one batter, Brylee Adams closed the game with a perfect inning, striking out one and allowing no hits or walks. Overall, the Patriots' pitchers combined for a shutout performance with eight total strikeouts and only three hits allowed.
 
GAME TWO
 
UT Tyler would continue their strong offense in game two, taking a 15-1 win over Sul Ross State to sweep the doubleheader.
 
UT Tyler opened the game strong in the first inning, scoring six runs on five hits. The inning's highlight was Taryn Barney's three-run homer, which brought in three unearned runs. This offensive outburst set a commanding tone early in the game. The Lobos responded with a single run in their half of the first inning, but the Patriots maintained control.
 
In the second inning, the Patriots added another run to their tally. JT Smith's triple set the stage, and Bailey Krolczyk followed with a groundout that allowed Smith to score, bringing the score to 7-1. The following inning saw both teams held scoreless, a brief pause in the game's scoring action.
 
The fourth inning was another explosive one for UT Tyler, as they scored seven more runs. Sam Schott's two-run homer, followed by Jordyn De Los Santos's two-run homer later in the inning, highlighted the offensive output. This surge extended their lead significantly, making the score 14-1.
 
In the final inning, the Patriots managed to score one more run, capitalizing on a defensive error by the Lobos. Keona Wells doubled and Julissa Vasquez's error-aided advance contributed to the final score of 15-1. The game concluded with a dominant performance by UT Tyler, featuring 18 hits and no errors, while holding Sul Ross State to one run on two hits.
 
JT Smith lead the team with three runs scored, and added a double and a triple. Sam Schott contributed with three RBIs and two runs, bolstered by a home run. Jordyn De Los Santos also had a strong performance, driving in three runs and scoring twice, and Taryn Barney was instrumental with three RBIs, two runs, a double, and a home run.
 
Cera Blanchard pitched 3 innings on the day, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 4 batters. Kaylee Davis contributed 2 innings of perfect relief, striking out 3 of the 6 batters faced and while not allowing any hits or walks. Together, Blanchard and Davis combined for 7 strikeouts and held Sul Ross State scoreless over the final 4 innings.
 
UT Tyler will now look ahead to their home opening weekend, as they will host Lubbock Christian and Angelo State at Irwin Field on February 21 and 23.