News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
The No. 10 Texas A&M softball team saw its nine-game winning streak come to an end with a 3-1 loss to No. 24 South Carolina in the series opener Friday night at Carolina Softball Stadium.
Five of the Aggies’ seven hits went for extra bases, highlighted by a solo home run from Mya Perez for the Maroon & White’s lone run. Kelsey Mathis and Kennedy Powell each added a pair of doubles. Texas A&M (34-13, 14-5 SEC) struggled to capitalize, going 1-for-12 with runners on base and leaving seven stranded.
Sidne Peters (13-5) took the loss, striking out six while allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. She held South Carolina (28-21, 6-13 SEC) to a .190 batting average and retired the leadoff hitter in every inning.
Powell opened the game with a hit initially ruled a triple. After review, the call was changed to a double, as she was thrown out attempting to advance to third. Tallen Edwards followed with a four-pitch walk, but a fielder’s choice and strikeout ended the inning.
Peters set the tone early, retiring the side in order on nine pitches in the first.
Texas A&M threatened in the second when Mathis led off with a double and advanced to third, but the Aggies were unable to convert. South Carolina capitalized in the bottom half, using a single, a walk and a three-run home run to take a 3-0 lead.
Both teams traded scoreless innings until the sixth, when Perez homered down the right-field line to cut the deficit to 3-1. Peters responded with a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom half to keep the Aggies within striking distance.
In the seventh, Mathis led off with a double after an eight-pitch at-bat. Pinch hitters Maddie Sauni drew a walk and Larisa Perez singled to load the bases with one out, but South Carolina escaped with an infield fly and a strikeout to secure the win.
UP NEXT
Due to incoming inclement weather, Saturday’s game has been moved to a 12 p.m. first pitch. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+. Fans can also listen on the 12th Man Mobile app or locally on Willy 1550 AM.