No. 1 Texas A&M survives elimination game with 17-4 run-rule win over Marist.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M softball erupted at the plate Saturday evening, hammering out a 17-4 run-rule victory in an elimination game behind a flurry of home runs and a dominant fourth inning.
The Aggies wasted no time getting on the board, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the first before back-to-back doubles extended the advantage. Amari Harper drove in Mac Barbara with a sharp hit to make it 2-0.
Moments later, KK Dement delivered the early knockout punch, launching a towering two-run home run over the scoreboard — her 15th of the season — pushing the Aggies ahead 4-0.
Texas A&M’s offense truly exploded in the fourth inning. Maya Perez kicked off a home run derby with a solo shot to extend the lead to 5-2. On the following at-bat, Mac Barbara followed suit with a blast of her own to center field.
The inning continued to spiral for the opposing team as the Aggies loaded the bases. Amari Harper then capped the offensive onslaught with a milestone moment — her first career grand slam — giving A&M an 11-2 lead and putting the run-rule into clear view.
By the time the dust settled, Texas A&M had tallied 17 runs, securing the win in just five innings. The dominant bounce-back performance sends the Aggies to the regional championship series with momentum.
The Aggies will rematch Liberty on Sunday. A&M must beat Liberty twice to advance to the NCAA Super Regional.