Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats

By Brooke Ortale | UTAMavs.com

TROY, Ala. - A productive offensive performance by Whitney Walton helped push UT Arlington softball to a split with Troy on Day 1 of the Sun Belt Conference series on Saturday.

"We are still struggling with consistency," UTA coach Kristie Fox said. "But getting one today on the road puts us in a position to go out and try and compete for the series tomorrow."

With the split, the Mavericks improved to 18-17 overall and 4-7 in SBC play, while the Trojans moved to 16-21 and 4-8.

The Trojans drew first blood in Game 1, with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first, but back-to-back doubles by Laura Curry and Whitney Walton helped the Mavs tie the game up at one in the fourth.

Aileen Garcia gave the Mavericks the lead with a RBI sacrifice fly to score Walton two batters later.

Playing a part in all four UTA runs, Walton drove in the third run of the game with her second RBI double, scoring Krista Rude on the play. Garcia added her second RBI, driving in Walton again with a single to center.

With the Trojans threatening in the sixth, Kacey Everett, Shelbi Sikes, Mallory Foster and Walton helped the Mavs turn their league-leading 21st double play of the season to end the threat.

After surrendering the leadoff home run, Sam Clakley retired 17 of the next 21 batters until a couple of defensive miscues by the Mavs loaded the bases and brought the Trojans to within one in the seventh. A pop up to Garcia in foul territory at first base secured the 4-3 Maverick victory.

Sam Clakley went the distance in the circle, allowing three runs, one earned, while striking out two to improve to 13-9 on the year.

Both teams were held scoreless through the first two innings of play in Game 2.

The Trojans grabbed the 1-0 lead in the third, followed by an eight-run fourth, handing the Mavericks the 9-0, five inning loss.

Walton had a stellar day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Rude and Walton recorded the only multiple-hit games of the day for the Mavs, each tallying two hits in Game 1. Curry and Walton each recorded a hit in both games.

UTA and Troy meet again tomorrow in the rubber match of the series with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.