March 25, 2012

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – A brilliant start by Chelsea Thomas was wasted on Sunday afternoon, as No. 19 Texas A&M scored a 1-0 victory to win the rubber match in extra innings. Thomas took a no hitter into the eighth inning but ultimately took the loss, as the Tiger offense was shut down by Mel Dumezich.

The loss drops Thomas to 11-3 on the season. She surrendered just two hits, two walks and struck out 11 for her second double-digit strikeout performance of the season.

Neither team recorded a hit until the top of the third inning, when Corrin Genovese doubled to the warning track in left-center field to get into scoring position. She moved up to third on a passed ball, but Aggie pitcher Mel Dumezich struck out Jenna Marston and got Ashley Fleming to pop out, ending the threat.

Thomas retired the first 14 Aggie hitters she faced before issuing a two out walk to Cassie Tysarczyk for the first Texas A&M runner of the game. Thomas struck out Taran Tyler for her ninth strikeout of the game, stranding Tysarczyk at first.

Missouri wouldn't get a base runner again until the top of the sixth when Fleming took a two out base on balls, but she was retired trying to steal second.

Thomas didn't allow a single hit until the bottom of the eighth inning. Tysarczyk doubled to right-center field on the first pitch she saw to put the winning run in scoring position. Taran Tyler then laid down a sacrifice bunt and Jenna Stark drove in Tysarczyk to end the game.

The Tigers return to action on Wednesday at home with a doubleheader against the Evansville Aces. Action from University Field will start at 3 p.m. CT. For more information, stay tuned to mutigers.com.