Game Recap: Softball – No. 2 Texas A&M vs No. 1 Texas (NCAA Tournament Austin Regional)

Despite some strong pitching and good defense, the bats weren’t in Texas A&M’s favor as the softball team fell to Texas 2-1 in Saturday’s NCAA Tournament regional.

After a thrilling walk-off finish propelled No. 2 Texas A&M (34-19, 12-12) over Texas State on Friday night, the Maroon and White were unable to repeat the magic as they fell 2-1 to No. 1 Texas (43-13, 11-7) on Saturday.

With runners on first and second, Amari Harper got things started with an RBI single to center field at the top of the third inning. Then, on their last out, the Maroon and White got on the board first, with Aiyana Coleman running it in.

It wouldn’t take long for the Longhorns to respond, as Bella Dayton walked up to bat with runners on first and third at the bottom of the third inning. After reaching on a fielder’s choice, Alyssa Popelka and Ashton Maloney both scored to put Texas up 2-1.

Despite some good defense and pitching from the Aggies from there on out, the Maroon and White struggled to score runs in response. With the bats not going their way, Texas A&M sought to generate offense through their base running, but Harper was caught stealing in the sixth inning after being walked to first.

From that point forward, the Aggies could not score as the Longhorns held on for a 2-1 win. Hindsight is unquestionably 20/20, but the base running may have cost Texas A&M dearly down the stretch of the last two innings.

Additionally, with a runner on third and one out in the fifth inning, having a pinch runner on deck could have tied the score 2-2.

There’s little time to dwell on the past, as the Aggies will be back in action later tonight. Texas A&M will face the Seton Hall and Texas State winner at 8 p.m. CT. on the SEC Network.

Final Score: Aggies 1, Longhorns 2 – W: Gutierrez, Citaly; L: Preston, Madison

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