San Antonio – Katie Nichols smacked the go-ahead three-run homerun in the bottom of the sixth inning, capping a rally from six runs down, as St. Mary’s University defeated Tarleton State University, 12-8, to forge a split of their softball doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at St. Mary’s University Softball Field. TSU won the first game, 6-3.

The Rattlers fell behind the Texans 8-2 after four innings, thanks to 4 errors that led to 6 unearned runs. However, the Rattlers started their rally in the fifth inning. Kelly Baker (Jr., Arlington, Texas) doubled with one out and moved to third on a Christina Rodriguez (Fr., San Antonio) single. A ground out by Katie Nichols (Fr., San Marcos, Texas) scored pinch runner Shelly Lee (Fr., San Antonio). Chelsea Wenske (Jr., Shiner, Texas) followed by smacking her fourth homerun of the season, cutting the deficit to just 8-5.

The following inning the Rattlers completed their comeback. With one out Alyssa Alfaro (Jr., Eagle Pass, Texas) singled and Lauren Miller (Jr., Baytown, Texas) followed with a single of her own. Arlynda Flores (Sr., Uvalde, Texas) walked to load the bases and Kelly Baker pulled the Rattlers to within one run with a two-run double. Rodriguez then reached on an error, allowing the tying run to score. That brought up Nichols, who smashed her second homerun as a Rattler, giving St. Mary’s the lead for good at 11-8.

Crystal Keller (Fr., Castroville, Texas) picked up her second win as a Rattler, tossing three shutout innings. She allowed just 1 walk, while striking out 2.

In the first game of the day, Tarleton State ran out to an early 5-0 lead and St. Mary’s was unable to complete the comeback, falling by a 6-3 count. In the loss, Sarah Perez (Fr., San Marcos, Texas) hit her second homerun of the season.

With the split, St. Mary’s is now 23-10 overall. TSU is 12-14. The Rattlers will return to action on Friday, when they travel to Goodwell, Okla., to face Oklahoma Panhandle State University in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.

Tarleton State 6, St. Mary’s 3 (Mar 23, 2010 at San Antonio, TX) (Game 1)

St. Mary’s 12, Tarleton State 8 (Mar 23, 2010 at San Antonio, TX) (Game 2)

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