THE HILL | The Alabama A&M University softball team used an eight-run fifth inning and a walk-off walk in the seventh to outlast Western Illinois, 11-10, on Tuesday afternoon in the home opener at Bulldog Field.
The Bulldogs (6-3) struck first in the opening frame. After loading the bases with two outs, Paula Ocrospoma delivered a two-RBI single down the right-field line to plate
Jaliyah Grigsby and
Ariana Montiel for an early 2-0 advantage.
Western Illinois (2-7) answered with a run in the second before taking control in the fourth and fifth innings. A two-run double in the fourth gave the Leathernecks a 3-2 lead, and a four-run fifth inning extended the advantage to 7-2.
Alabama A&M responded in emphatic fashion in the bottom of the fifth.
Josefina Lacalle jump-started the rally with a two-run homer to right center, cutting the deficit to 7-4. After the Bulldogs loaded the bases, Montiel reached on a fielding error that brought home another run to make it 7-5.
Moments later,
Kali Austerman crushed a grand slam to left center, capping a four-RBI day and giving AAMU a 9-7 lead. The Bulldogs added another run in the inning on a fielder's choice to take a 10-7 lead, completing an eight-run outburst.
Western Illinois refused to go away, scoring three runs in the sixth to even the contest at 10-10.
Dylann Rambally entered in relief and steadied the game, holding the Leathernecks scoreless over the final 1.2 innings to earn the win and improve to 3-1 on the season
In the bottom of the seventh, the Bulldogs capitalized on defensive miscues. After reaching base and advancing runners into scoring position,
Hannah Wyroski drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the winning run and seal the 11-10 victory.
Alabama A&M finished with 12 hits on the afternoon. Lacalle went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Austerman drove in four runs with her grand slam. Ocrospoma added two hits and two RBIs, and Grigsby recorded two hits and scored twice.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M concludes its two-game homestand against Western Illinois on Wednesday. First pitch against the Leathernecks is scheduled for 12 p.m. from the Bulldogs Softball Field.
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics – Huntsville's only Division I program - check out the official homepage at www.aamusports.com. Remember to follow us on social media: Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), Twitter (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).
