STEPHENVILLE – Stephenville magic was alive and well Friday night as Tarleton secured their fourth straight home win via the walk-off base hit – all four at home – when Georgia Capell laced a two-out, RBI double off the right-center wall to give Tarleton a 2-1 victory over Seattle U in the series opener.
Each of Tarleton’s last four wins have all come on walk-offs: Dickerson’s fifth-inning grand slam to beat California Baptist, Katy Schaefer’s single to take the CBU series, and Wednesday’s single from Dickerson to beat North Texas.
After altering the game format due to inclement weather in the area, the Texans and Redhawks played just one game Friday night and the series opener did not disappoint.
Tristan Bridges was absolutely masterful in her complete-game victory, allowing only one run while striking out seven to earn her 10th win of the season in the circle.
The Redhawks got to Bridges in second when some free bases led to the lone Seattle run of the game and the Texans trailed into the sixth inning 1-0. Tarleton had three runners on over the first five innings.
The sixth inning was the turning point in the game as the Redhawks had runners on second and third with one away, but Bridges got a strikeout of the pinch-hitter and then Morgan Medford saved two runs with a thrilling, full-extension dive to snag a line drive at shortstop to end the threat and keep the deficit to one run.
Tarleton answered in the bottom half with back-to-back singles from Bailee Riggs and Medford to lead off the inning. A one-out single from Jordan Dickerson loaded the bases and Katy Schaefer drove in the first RBI of the night with a single into left to tie the game.
After Bridges worked around a one-out hit batter to retire the side with no damage, Riggs and Medford singled in back-to-back at bats once again to extend the game and give Capell an RBI opportunity. The All-American did not disappoint and cashed in the game winner with a rocket off the outfield fence to bring home Riggs and win it.
Riggs, Medford and Schaefer all tallied two hits while Mackenize Peterson, Dickerson and Capell had one each to round out the offense.
Tarleton and Seattle will return to action tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. with a doubleheader to close out the series. Following the game, Tarleton will recognize last year’s senior class whose careers were cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texans will welcome back Kadyn Kirkpatrick, Morgan Ling and Jordan Withrow with a brief recognition ceremony following the second game.
Be the first to comment