For two innings Sam Houston held a lead on the No. 2 ranked softball team in the nation, undefeated Oregon.
But the Ducks found stride in a five-run third inning and an eight-run fourth to hand the Bearkats a 14-4 run-rule loss in a non-conference game at the Aggie Softball Complex Wednesday afternoon. Oregon stands 9-0 for the year.
Sam Houston, now 4-7, showed the Kats have some hitting power of their own as the SHSU women collected three runs on third baseman Peyton Webb's home run blast to left field to go up 3-0.
Designated player Hilary Adams parked a solo shot down the right field line to give Sam Houston a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the second inning. The homer, Adams' first of the year, marked the senior's 32nd career home run. She is Sam Houston's all-time leading home run hitter.
Adams now also holds the Bearkat school record for career RBIs. Her home run Wednesday brought her all-time mark to 114 runs batted in. She surpased SHSU Hall of Honor member Joanne Graham's previous top total of 112.
"I was proud of the way our girls were not intimidated by playing a team like Oregon," head coach Bob Brock said. "They're doing a good job of taking things one game at a time."
Center fielder Jessica Slater and Peyton each had two hits for Sam Houston. Angelica Gonzales and Dani Allen each added singles.
Three Ducks hit home runs in the next two innings as Oregon racked up 13 runs on 12 hits. Geri Ann Glasco was the winning pitcher, striking out five Bearkats in four innings.
Sam Houston, now 4-7 for the year, heads to Mobile, Alabama, for the South Alabama Classic this weekend.
