Cannon, Kennedy power A&M past Texas in Austin Super Regional
For a moment, it seemed that Trinity Cannon had bounced into a triple play to end a first-inning threat. But she’d simply fouled the ball off her foot. Moments after the Longhorns were headed for the dugout, they were watching Cannon trot around the bases.
Cannon lifted the ninth pitch of the at-bat against Citlaly Gutierrez for a three-run home run over the left field fence. The senior wasn’t done making her impact on the contest. The Aggies pushed Gutierrez out in the second inning and Mac Morgan entered. The hard downballer shut down Texas A&M’s quick start and even struck out Cannon the first time they faced. Cannon had her number the second time, lifting a two-run homer.
Round ✌️ … fired 💥
📺 ESPN2@trincannon | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/ho6JFtJaRR
— Texas A&M Softball (@AggieSoftball) May 24, 2024
Cannon’s five-RBI day carried Texas A&M to the 6-5 win in the first game of the Austin Super Regional. Although, Kramer Eschete insurance RBI in the sixth proved to be the difference.
Emiley Kennedy was cruising against Texas’ offense. Kennedy showed her ability to use her curveball in all quadrants, ending the game with five strikeouts. She got right-handed Katie Stewart swinging on an outside pitch and Bella Dayton waived at a ball in the dirt to get Kennedy out of a bases-loaded jam.
Kennedy was also backed by her defense, which Texas A&M has vastly improved on this year. Reese Atwood lined a ball by to Kennedy. The A&M pitched protected herself with her glove, but the ball stayed in the air for a diving grab by Rylen Wiggins. Cannon handled an odd hop well to get the force out at home to prevent a run. Koko Wooley did a great job in an in-betweener to record an out. Julia Cottrill made a great grab.
However, free passes have been Kennedy’s kryptonite. Viviana Martinez led off the sixth with a single. Two walks loaded the bases. Mike White went to his bench in hopes of sparking a run. He made the right choice in the powerful Victoria Hunter. The freshman launched the first pitch she saw for a grand slam.
Atwood brought Texas within one with a solo shot in the seventh. But it was too little, too late as Kennedy struck out Stewart again to close it out.
Top-seeded Texas will try to extend its season on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
