Tello's Four RBI Seal Bobcat Win in Game Two of Double Header

Anne Marie Taylor went all seven innings in the circle for game two of Saturday's double header, earning the 6-2 win for Texas State despite the offense sputtering early against Sam Houston State. The Bobcats have outscored opponents 18-4 in the past three games and improve to
4-1 in the Southland.

Offense for the visitors rolled out early when the Bearkat's first baseman Amy Brown scored on a passed ball in the second. Shortstop Haley Wiginton placed a perfect bunt in front of home plate to reach first and advanced on a wild pitch, later scoring on a double to left to stretch the lead, but that would end the offense for the visitors. Taylor allowed only four hits for the remainder of the game, striking out four and improving her record to 2-4.

Head coach Ricci Woodard was impressed with her team's clutch hitting in the fourth. With two outs, a battery of Jenna Emery, Leah Boatright, Megan Parten and Lidsey Matt reached on four consecutive singles. Center fielder Kristina Tello dazzled the crowd with the fifth hit in a row, a triple to the right centerfield wall, scoring two. Texas State flipped the score upside down from an 0-2 score going into the inning and leaving it at 4-2 over Sam Houston.

In the sixth, Tello smashed another two run triple to the wall, also to right center, but would be stranded at third. Coach Woodard said Tello's ability to surprise teams is what struck her most about her outfielder's output. Tello has the unique ability to be a slap hitter and Woodard commended her on the ability to adjust and combine slap-style hitting with driving the ball.

The Bearkat offense woke up in game two, a difference from game one, and the defense in game one struggled, committing three errors. This go-around, the Bearkat offense fell back into a snooze and couldn't drive runners in, leaving six stranded on the base paths. Frustration played a key role in Sam Houston's game-play, now with a 4-13 record overall and no wins in conference games.

The Bobcats now ride a four game win streak into Sunday's game three. First pitch for the series finale is set for Sunday, Mar. 7 at Noon. Live action on 89.9 FM KTSW begins at 11:45 a.m.

-Mason Robinson, KTSW Sports Staff Writer