Cannon and Kennedy lead A&M to victory over Texas in Austin Super Regional

For a moment, it looked like Trinity Cannon had hit a triple play, ending a first-inning threat, but she had simply fouled the ball with her foot. Shortly after the Longhorns went to the dugout, they saw Cannon trotting around the bases.

Cannon threw the ninth pitch of the at-bat to Citlaly Gutierrez and hit a three-run home run over the left-field fence. The senior wasn't done making her impact on the game. The Aggies forced Gutierrez out in the second inning and Mac Morgan came in. The hard downballer ruined Texas A&M's fast start and even struck out Cannon in the first meeting. The second time around, Cannon came through and hit a two-run home run.

Round ✌️ … fired 💥

📺 ESPN2@trincannon | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/ho6JFtJaRR

— Texas A&M Softball (@AggieSoftball) May 24, 2024

Cannon's five RBIs on the day helped Texas A&M win Game 1 of the Austin Super Regional 6-5, but Kramer Escheste's RBI in the sixth inning proved to be the deciding factor.

Emiley Kennedy was in a good position against the Texas offense. Kennedy showed off her ability to use her curveball in all quadrants, finishing with five strikeouts. She got right-hander Katie Stewart swinging with an outside throw and Bella Dayton waved at a ball in the dirt to get Kennedy out of a bases-loaded situation.

Kennedy was also able to rely on their defense, which Texas A&M has improved significantly this year. Reese Atwood delivered a ball to Kennedy. The A&M pitcher protected herself with her glove, but the ball stayed in the air and was caught by Rylen Wiggins. Cannon handled an odd jump well to get the power home and prevent a run. Koko Wooley did a great job in an intermission to get an out. Julia Cottrill caught the ball great.

Free passes, however, were Kennedy's kryptonite. Viviana Martinez opened the sixth with a single. Two walks left the bases loaded. Mike White went to the bench in hopes of scoring a run. He made the right choice with the strong Victoria Hunter. The freshman hit the first pitch she saw for a grand slam.

Atwood brought Texas within one point with a solo hit in the seventh inning, but it was too little, too late, as Kennedy struck out Stewart again, ending the game.

The top-seeded Texas team will try to extend its season on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.