Box Score PDF Box Score: Charlotte 9, UTEP 8
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - UTEP softball (10-18, 2-6 Conference USA) dropped game two of the series versus Charlotte (18-12, 6-2 C-USA) as the 49ers clawed their way back into the game for the 9-8 walk-off victory after trailing 7-0 in the second inning Saturday afternoon at Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium.
UTEP broke the game wide open with a seven-run second inning highlighted by a grand slam by Caitlyn Brockway. Idalis Mendez earned a walk, and back-to-back singles by Rylan Dooner and Pate Cathey loaded the bases for UTEP. A bases-loaded walk for Ashlynn Allen plated Mendez for the first run of the game. Lexi Morales' sacrifice fly scored Dooner, and Savannah Favre's RBI single made way for Cathey to cross the dish. Ajia Richard's walk juiced the bases, and Caitlyn Brockway smacked a round-tripper over center field for her second grand slam of the season to lift the Miners up 7-0.
The Niners responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the third inning. Charlotte plated two on a double and a single, and a sacrifice fly drove in its third run to cut the deficit to 7-3.
Peyton Angulo extended UTEP's lead to 8-3 with a single down the right field line, scoring Favre from second. Charlotte recorded a solo home run in the bottom of the inning to close in on the Miners, 8-4.
Charlotte knotted the game at 8-all in the bottom of the fifth as the Niners posted four runs on two hits.
After a scoreless sixth inning, Charlotte struck back with a single in the bottom of the seventh, and an RBI double to right center scored the winning run for the 9-8 walk off victory.
Miner Quick Hits
ON DECK
Game three of the three-game series is set for Sunday, March 26 at 10 a.m. MT. The contest will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats also available.
For complete coverage of UTEP Softball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @utepsoftball (Instagram/Twitter) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.
