After Narrow Loss, TJC Roars Back to Dominate Kilgore

Tyler, TX- The Apaches took on Kilgore College in a competitive two-game series, falling just short in Game 1 before bouncing back in explosive fashion to take Game 2.

Game 1: Kilgore 4, TJC 3
The Apaches opened the series with a tightly contested 4–3 loss. TJC jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the first, third, and fifth innings behind a strong offensive showing from the top of the order. Jolie Bazan went 3-for-4 with a double, while Ky-Li Alonzo and Piper Morton each added two hits, including Morton's solo home run in the third inning.

Pitcher Kearston Gooch threw 6.2 innings, allowing seven hits and two earned runs while striking out five. Despite out-hitting Kilgore 8–7, defensive miscues proved costly, as TJC committed three errors, including two in the infield, which allowed the Rangers to tie the game in the fourth and eventually walk it off in the seventh.

Game 2: TJC 14, Kilgore 5
In the second game, the Apaches responded with an offensive explosion, racking up 16 hits en route to a 14–5 victory.

Sydney Farmer had a monster performance at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double, a triple, and two RBIs. Piper Morton continued her hot streak, belting two home runs and driving in five. Chloe Payne also joined the power parade with a home run of her own and two RBIs, while Payton Bray contributed a 2-for-4 outing with a double and three RBIs.

The Apaches broke the game open in the third inning with a seven-run outburst, then added three runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to put the game out of reach.

On the mound, Sarah Philips earned the win with a solid 6-inning outing, allowing four earned runs on nine hits while striking out six. Jaycee Bullard closed the game with a clean seventh, striking out one and allowing just one hit.

Defensively, TJC turned a sharp double play and limited errors to two, a noticeable improvement from the series opener.