Softball Wins 2nd Straight After Win Over UAPB

Texas Southern University’s softball team won back-to-back game for the first time this season, beating Arkansas Pine Bluff University, 5-1, Friday at Houston Memorial Park.

The Tigers (5-17, 3-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference) scored three runs in the first inning, setting the tone in a game where TSU pitcher Jazmine Gendorf silenced Pine Bluff (6-27, 2-8) through the first six innings.

Texas Southern jumped out to the 3-0 lead when Daryn Haslam belted a three-run home run to right center in the first inning. Her third homer of the season came after Pam Richardson walked, and Deana Zuniga had a bunt single.

Haley Castro scored with two outs in the second when Haslam reached base on an error. Castro walked to open the inning, and after Marissa Martinez singled through the left side, TSU advanced runners to second and third on a wild pitch.

Pinch hitter Jordan McClain walked to open the sixth. She stole second before pinch hitter Lanay Carr singled through the right side to score McClain, putting the Tigers ahead, 5-0.

APBU’s Justice Walton singled home Desiree Bumpers with one out in the seventh, but Gendorf got a strikeout and a comebacker to the circle, which she handled on her own to retire the final batter, securing TSU’s victory.

Gendorf (3-5) allowed seven hits, a run and no walks, and struck out six for her second straight win. She has allowed just one run in each of her last two outings.

Pine Bluff pitcher Sydney Green (4-8) gave up eight hits, four earned runs and seven walks, while striking out six.

Haslam went 2-for-3 with the home run, walk and three RBI. Zuniga was 1-for-3. Carr went 1-for-1 with an RBI. Destinee Dixon was 1-for-3. Madison Battle and Jayda Carter each had a hit in four plate appearances. Martinez was 1-for-2.

Paola Rodriguez was 2-for-3, and Jazlyn Gomez, Gabriella Beleyu, Kaitlyn Neely, Bumpers and Walton each had one hit for the Lions.

The two teams will play a doubleheader at noon Saturday at Memorial Park.