Texas Longhorns softball loses to Texas A&M in first game of Austin Super Regional

A four-run sixth inning was not enough for Texas Softball’s No. 1 team.

The game, which could have been a clear victory for the Aggies, ended in a thriller separated by a single run and the firing of two assistant coaches, and the Longhorns lost 6-5 in Austin.

With Texas A&M leading 6-0 early in the sixth inning, Texas assistant coach Steve Singleton and A&M's Russ Heffley became enraged on the field. Heffley entered the field screaming after Texas first baseman Katie Stewart had her foot on the bag when Aggie third baseman Kennedy Powell tripped over Stewart's shin and brought her down. Singleton immediately went to confront him.

“After the last out in the top of the sixth inning, Texas inquired about what was ruled an accidental contact at first base,” said Paul Edds, crew chief for the Austin Super Regional. “An assistant coach from each team met the umpires at home plate. At the conclusion of the discussion, the umpires attempted to escort the coaches back to their respective dugouts to continue the game when inappropriate comments were exchanged and both coaches were ejected for conduct on the field.”

Texas A&M pitcher Emiley Kennedy was key to the Aggies' victory, holding the Longhorns to zero runs until the sixth inning. Freshman pinch hitter Vic Hunter brought Texas back into the game with a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning, and catcher Reese Atwood hit a solo home run in the seventh inning.

“Yeah, the win against Kennedy at the end of the game definitely gives us momentum for tomorrow's game,” Atwood said. “I think we know now that we can do it. The first couple innings were a battle against Kennedy, she's a great pitcher, so the battle at the end shows what we're going to do tomorrow.”

Texas must win the second game of the series to avoid an early exit from the tournament.