Sirag homer helps Zias pull split

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Freshman catcher Kyra Sirag went 2-for-3, including a three-run homer to hold off a Cowgirl comeback, helping the Eastern New Mexico University softball team defeated New Mexico Highlands 8-6 Wednesday afternoon to pull a doubleheader split at Brandt Field.

The host Cowgirls held off a comeback in the opener and held on for a 7-6 win.

The leadoff hitter scored in the second, third and fourth innings for the Zias (11-29) in the nightcap to help stake out an early 5-1 advantage.

The Cowgirls scored two in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run shot by right fielder Tess Oliphant, but Sirag responded in the top of the fifth, blasting a full-count pitch off Erica Wieck (5-10) to right center for her third homer of the season.

Mary Jo Granger picked up the win in 4 1/3 innings to improve to 5-5 on the season, while Katie Ramsay picked up her second save of the year by retiring the Cowgirls' final two hitters and stranding a runner at second.

In the opener, Ramsay led off the second with her first homer of the season and first since April 6 of last season, when she led the squad with six round-trippers.

Oliphant and catcher Lynnsey Johnson both homered in the second to plate the Cowgirls' three runs, and Oliphant added a two-run double during a four-run third inning.

Third baseman Erica Armendarez went 3-for-6 on the day, with hits in both games to make it 14 consecutive games reaching base.

Ramsay (2-15) suffered the loss in two innings of work. Relievers Alberta Medina for ENMU and Jessica Brink for Highlands each allowed one run on three hits in four innings of work, with Brink (10-11) picking up the victory.

The Zias return home Friday for a 2 p.m. doubleheader against Tarleton State as part of a three-game series that concludes noon Saturday.