UT Permian Basin swept a double-header against the University of the Southwest behind terrific pitching Tuesday in Odessa, taking game one 7-4 and game two 3-0.
Starting pitcher Maritza Rojas helped herself at the plate in the first inning with a sacrifice fly scoring Abby Hernandez to give UTPB the 1-0 lead. It stayed that way until the fourth when Adrianna Silva's solo home run tied the ball game. UTPB answered in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run home run off the bat of Choco Munoz. Munoz added an RBI single in the fifth to make it a 4-1 game.
In the sixth Aubree Avila made it a four-run lead with another single. Jessica Gonzalez with some heads up base running stole home then Avila came around to score on an error for a 7-1 lead. Briana Gonzalez homered in the top of the seventh but Rojas was too much as UTPB finished off the 7-4 victory.
UTPB picked up the second game right where they left off with back to back doubles by Alyssa Lopez and Lizzie Souza to grab a 1-0 lead. Rojas followed it up with an RBI single to make it 2-0. Southwest couldn't figure out starting pitcher Aubree Avila who only allowed three hits over four innings. Sloan Springfield came in relief for the final three innings and didn't allow a run. Springfield helped herself at the plate with an RBI sacrifice fly in the sixth. Southwest threatened in the seventh but UTPB shut the door on the 3-0 victory.
Rojas improved her record to 4-2 on the year with seven strong innings striking out seven. She also went 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI in the first game. Munoz went 2-3 with three RBI and a home run. Ashlynn Williams added two hits and a run scored. Madison Garcia took the loss for Southwest.
Avila improved her record to 2-1 on the season and Springfield picked up her second save of the year. They combined to only walk one and allow six hits over seven innings. Souza and Rojas each had a pair of hits and drove in a run a piece.
UTPB is on the road this weekend against conference foe Texas A&M – Kingsville for a three game series starting Friday night..