(Portions of this story courtesy of UT-Tyler)
TYLER, Texas -- No. 1 seed UT Tyler Patriots defeated Southwestern 4-1 in the opening game of the 2013 NCAA DIII Tyler Regional. Box Score | NCAA Regional Website
UT-Tyler freshman pitcher Kelsie Batten was impressive, going seven innings and striking out eight Priates and walking none.
Southwestern (34-12) got the scoring started in the top of the first, on a Tessa Galloway fielder's choice, making the score 1-0 Pirates.
The Patriots (42-4) would answer back quickly in the bottom half of the first inning.
UT-Tyler scored one on a Heather Abshire double to left center that scored Ashley Endsley. Abshire would then score on a error by Southwestern, giving the Patriots a 2-1 lead.
In the third, the Patriots scored on a Rachel Howell double and a steal of home plate by Kristin Anderson, making the score 4-1.
Southwestern had a chance in the sixth to add another run, but left fielder Carli Wheeler robbed Galloway of a homerun by slamming into the fence and making an impressive run-saving catch.
UT-Tyler would hitch its wagon to the freshman hurler the rest-of-the way, holding the Pirates to no hits and no runs for the remainder of the game.
Howell finished the game going 2-for-3 with one RBI while Endsley finished with two hits and a run scored.
Southwestern junior shortstop Karen Ramirez had 2 of the Pirates' 3 hits and was 2-for-3 with her SCAC single-season record 24th double and a run scored.
The Patriots will now await to play the winner of the East Texas Baptist-CMS showdown at 11 a.m. on Saturday, while Southwestern will play the loser of that same game later this evening. First pitch of that consolation bracket contest is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT.
To view the post-game interview with Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese, freshman pitcher Kelsey Kingston and junior shortstop Karen Ramirez, click the video below.