COMMERCE– The No. 14 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team picked up a doubleheader sweep of Rogers State on Tuesday afternoon. The Lions won the first game 2-0 and the second game 7-1.
 
The wins bring the Lions to 27-9 on the season while Rogers State falls to 24-12 on the year.
 
The Lions return to Lone Star Conference action on Friday as they travel to San Angelo to face Angelo State. The teams will meet in a single game on Friday at 6 p.m. before facing off in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday. All games will be played at Mayer Field in San Angelo.
 
HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAMES
On the in-region wins: "It's obviously exciting to accomplish our goal. That will go a long way for our season. Our region is extremely tough and to get two wins like we did today against a very quality ball club is huge."
On the pitching performances: "I'm very proud of our pitchers. Otto came in– and we knew Rogers had a really good pitcher– and for her to shut them out was huge. We knew we weren't going to score very many runs against the kid they had out there, one of the nation's top strikeout pitchers. And Schaefer had that big home run. Then Dean came out in game two and pitched a whale of a game. I'm very excited that she did that. It was good to see her out there. She gave us a chance to win the ball game."
On the stellar defense: "We had a lot of diving plays out there. And we made all of the routine plays. As a pitcher, you have to be excited when you are making good pitches and you have the best defense behind you making those plays. That keeps you motivated as a pitcher to keep going out there and work hard, knowing you have the right stuff behind you."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 1)
- Emily Otto pitched a complete game, recording her 18th win of the season. She struck out four batters and gave up just four hits in 105 pitches.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) hit a solo home run in the second inning.
- Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) had a hit and scored a run. Kayla Kilcrease (Kerens) and Bri Sims (Rowlett) also had hits.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1)
The game was a pitcher's duel throughout as both teams turned to their ace. Otto struck out two in the top of the first and the Lion defense turned a double play in the second as they kept the Hillcats off the board.
 
The Lions then scored in the bottom of the second as Schaefer hit a solo home run over the left field fence. It was only hit for the Lions early as RSU's pitcher recorded seven early strikeouts. Otto countered with strike outs of her own and the Lions led 1-0 through four complete.
 
RSU had a chance in the fifth inning as a double and two walks loaded the bases. Otto kept her cool and caused a foul out to left to end the inning. The Lions then added to their lead in the sixth. Hill dropped down a bunt for a single and was able to score on a wild throw that ended up in right field. The Lions took a 2-0 lead. Otto and the Lion defense shut RSU down in the seventh to complete the shutout.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 2)
- Katie Dean (Whitesboro) picked up her eighth win of the year as she pitched a complete game. She struck out six and gave up just three hits.
- Jodie Hill had a two-run home run and scored three times in the game.
- Kinsie Hebler (Cypress – Cy Fair) had a hit and scored two runs. Vanessa Avina (Haltom City) had two steals and scored a run. Da'Jia Davis (Hillsboro – Midway) also scored a run.
- Kimber Neal (Humble – Atascocita) and Bri Sims both had RBIs.
- Chealsea Slider (Texarkana – Texas HS) had two singles.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 2)
The Hillcats recorded a hit on the first pitch of the game but were then held hitless through the next four innings as the Lions built a lead. Hebler reached on a single and Hill reached on an error and both scored as an errant throw brought both runners home. The Lions led 2-0 after one.
 
Dean struck out three in a row in the second inning and the Lions then added to their lead. Hill hit a two-run homer to double the Lions' lead. The Lions again added two runs in the third inning. Avina stole both second and third after pinch running and a bad through brought her home. With the bases loaded, Neal then drew a walk and a run scored. The Lions led 6-0 after three.
 
The Lions scored another run in the fourth inning as Sims hit a sacrifice fly to score Hill. RSU hit a home run in the sixth inning to produce their lone run but the Lion defense continued to suffocate the Hillcat offense and the Lions left with the 7-1 win.