Texas Crushes Northwestern in NCAA Regionals

I shared the elevator from the press box with a Northwestern coach, and asked her expectation for the game against Texas in the NCAA Regional.  She replied, “we’re going to win.”  That was the high-point of the day for Northwestern, as Texas cruised to a 14-to-2 walloping in run-rule shortened five-inning game. 

Texas measured up to its own standards, putting up 12 hits for 14 runs, including four home runs, and did not leave a runner on base.  They held  Northwestern to two runs on five hits. 

Texas was led by capitan Alyssa Washington with three hits in as many appearances, including a home run, for three runs batted in. Joley Mitchell also went 3-for-3 with a home run with two RBIs. Mia Scott and Kayden Henry each tallied two hits in two at-bats with a home run. 

Northwestern’s Kelsey Nader accounted for all the Wildcats runs on a two-run home run. 

“There were a couple of turning points in the game, but Citlaly (Gutierrez) was able to get out of that first inning unscathed and then that inning when they did score, we held them to only two,” said Texas head coach Mike White. “Then we came back out and was able to take control of the momentum.  But kudos to our players, they came out and played with a lot of energy today. They really wanted it. I couldn’t be prouder of how they came out and performed today.” 

Texas starting pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez (11-1) earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits in four innings in the circle.  Estelle Czech closed out the final inning, allowing one hit. 

Northwestern starter Riley Grudzielanek (7-2) endured the official loss, allowing four runs on four hits in 1.1 innings in the circle.  Relievers Renae Cunningham and Cami Henry faired no better, allowing a combined ten runs on eight hits in 2.2 innings.