Freshman pitcher Aalijah Alarcon pitches against Middle Tennesse University at the Helen of Troy softball complex. Photo courtesy of Ruben R. Ramirez.

The UTEP Miner’s softball team (14-28, 4-14) closed the series against Middle Tennessee State University Sunday April 25 at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex. The game originally scheduled for Friday, April 23, was moved to a double-header on Saturday due to high winds. 

In the top of the first inning of the first game of the double header, sophomore Anna Sample, made a double play to stop any scoring from MTSU. However, in the bottom of the first inning, the Miners could not get anything going on the offense. The score remained 0-0. 

In the bottom of the second inning, the Miners left a base runner in scoring position. The game remained 0-0. In the top of the third inning, MTSU was swinging the bat well, however they were not able to get on base. 

In the bottom of third, the Miners again could not get anyone on base, and the score remained 0-0. In the top of the fourth inning, MTSU got some hits, but they were still unable to get any runs scored. In the bottom of the fourth, UTEP got a run scored after a hit then scored on an error to give the Miners a 2-0 lead. 

In the top of the sixth, MTSU was able to score a run to make the game 2-1. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Miners were not able to add any insurance runs. 

In the seventh inning, the Miners were able to stop any kinds of runs from scoring and went on to win game one of the double-header by a final score of 2-1. 

In their second match up between MTSU, the Miners lost that match-up with a final score of 6-2. MTSU was able to score many runs and were able to keep all of the Miners hitters in check for the majority of the game.  

In the Miners third match up, UTEP was able to get a 3-2 victory off a walk-off hit from freshman Ajia Richard, which allowed sophomore outfielder Lexi Morales to reach home base. Freshman pitcher Aalijah Alarcon was able to throw a complete game victory for the Miners. She tossed 14.9 innings, getting seven strikeouts and no walks. 

The Miners went on to win the third match up 3-2. 

The Miners can be seen back in action for the series against Marshall University at 11 a.m. April 29 at Dot Hicks Field in Huntington, West Virginia. 

Daniel Alec Lopez is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected].