TYLER, Texas — In a pitcher’s duel, the No. 13-ranked St. Thomas softball team, led by catcher Emily Gregory’s two hits, managed just four hits as it lost to No. 4-ranked Salisbury (Md.) 1-0 Thursday afternoon at Suddenlink Field.

Starting pitcher Kendra Bowe tossed four and one-thirds innings, allowing six hits, with one strikeout and one run allowed. Pitcher Breezy Bannon threw one and two-thirds innings in relief and didn’t allow a hit.

St. Thomas (42-8, 22-1 MIAC) had runners on first and third base in the top of the fourth inning, but left outfielder Brooke Selisker stranded on third, keeping the game tied at zero midway through the fourth inning.

With runners on first and second base and one out in the bottom of the fourth inning, Salisbury (41-3, 11-1 CAC) left fielder Angelia McDowell laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners into scoring position. After intentionally walking shortstop Kim Dorsey to load the bases, Bowe walked in the go-ahead and game-winning run, giving the Sea Gulls a 1-0 lead.

St. Thomas managed just two hits the remainder of the game, falling to Salisbury in the first round of the NCAA Division-III Women’s College World Series.

The Tommies will be back in action at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 23 against Rochester (N.Y.) in an elimination game for both teams. Rochester (N.Y.) lost to Wis.-Whitewater in the first round 8-7.

Stay tuned to TommieMedia for updates throughout the tournament.

Kyle Jonas can be reached at jona7984@stthomas.edu.