Bobcat Softball Trampled by No. 8/9 Longhorns

It’s tough to win when you lose. Or something like that.

Stengelese aside, it’s also tough to make light of a struggling Texas State softball team (15-18; 8-7 SLC) that has followed a five game win streak with a current five game losing streak, the most recent being a 6-2 loss against the Texas Longhorns (29-3) in San Marcos Wednesday night. The ‘Horns put on a fireworks show with four homeruns to stretch their win streak to 13 games, their best since 2007.

Bobcat senior outfielder Allyce Rother laid down a bunt single in the second inning, bringing freshman shortstop Jordan Massek home from third to put the Bobcats on the board first. Rother also doubled to left field in the sixth on a ball that fell just inches fair to bring sophomore second baseman Anna Hernandez home for the only Texas State offense of the night.

Conversely, the long ball got it done for Texas.

The ‘Horns responded in the top of the third with a two run homer by senior catcher Amy Hooks, and in the fourth, the show continued with two solo shots and a two run blast by junior first baseman Lexy Bennett, who leads the Big 12 in batting average.

Junior pitcher Chandler Hall gave up all six of these runs on 10 hits in her 3 2/3 innings of work, and was also hitless at the plate. Sophomore Anne Marie Taylor came on in relief and was solid in shutting the ‘Horns down for the final 3 1/3 innings, striking out four and only allowing two hits.

The ‘Cats made a handful of comeback attempts but each time fell short, including the bottom of the seventh, leaving two runners on to end the game.

Texas State has only been outscored by ten runs during the losing streak, but also has left 34 runners stranded on the bags in that span. With that in mind, the pressure might be more fairly placed on the offense’s proverbial shoulders if the Bobcats want to make a run at an SLC four-peat in 2011.

Coach Ricci Woodard and the girls host the sixth-place Southeastern Louisiana Lions (14-15; 4-5 SLC) this weekend in San Marcos with game one of a double header tomorrow at 1:00 PM. Game two is at 3:00 PM with the final at noon on Sunday. Catch the live broadcast on 89.9 FM or ktsw.net.

Mason Robinson, KTSW Assistant Sports Director