#23 Apaches Split Series with #15 Paris, Host San Jac at Home Thursday

Tyler, TX- The #23 Apache Softball team went toe-to-toe with a tough #15-ranked Paris Dragons squad on Tuesday, splitting the doubleheader in front of a supportive home crowd. After a quiet performance in Game 1, the Apaches roared back in the second game with timely hitting and strong pitching to earn the split.

Game 1: Paris 3, Apaches 0
Despite a gutsy complete-game effort from Kearston Gooch in the circle, the Apaches couldn't crack the scoreboard in the opener. Gooch tossed 99 pitches with 63 strikes, facing 27 batters and keeping the game within reach the whole way. But Paris managed to push across runs in the 2nd and 6th innings to take a 3-0 win.

Jolie Bazan led the Apaches at the plate with two total bases, while Payton Bray added another. Bazan also stole a base in the effort. Defensively, Chloe Payne and Sydney Farmer were each charged with an error as Paris capitalized just enough to secure the win.

Game 2: Apaches 2, Paris 1
The second game told a different story. The Apache bats came alive with seven hits, and pitcher Sarah Philips was in control from the circle, guiding the Apaches to a 2-1 victory.

Jolie Bazan set the tone again, going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Sydney Farmer brought in the go-ahead run with a clutch single, and Payton Bray chipped in with a double and a run scored of her own. Piper Morton, Daniela Gutierrez, and Brooklyn Foster each added a hit to round out a balanced offensive effort.

Philips was locked in, tossing 78 pitches (60 for strikes) and facing 29 batters, limiting the high-powered Paris offense to just one run on seven hits.

Defensively, the Apaches cleaned it up in Game 2, with just one error from Gutierrez as the team held off a late Paris push to secure the win.

Next Up: Apaches vs. San Jac Ravens
With the split, the Apaches continue to hold their ground in the national rankings and build momentum for the stretch run. They'll stay at home for another big test on Thursday, April 10, when they take on the San Jacinto Ravens.

First pitch is set for the afternoon—don't miss it!