HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston softball team pushed No. 24 Baylor to the limit, but three runs in the fourth helped the Bears secure a 7-3 victory Tuesday at Bearkat Softball Complex.
 
The Bearkats (7-14) answered a three-run top of the first with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning to pressure Baylor (18-5).
 
Senior Brooke Malia hit a two-out single to get the rally started and freshman Kylie Hobbs followed with a walk. Freshman Ellie Grill reached on an infield hit, and sophomore Kyndal Kutac continued her hot hitting at the plate by punching a two-run single into right to cut the lead to 3-2.
 
The Bears scored again in the top of the fourth, but Sam Houston matched in the bottom of the frame. This time it was Malia who came through with an RBI single down the right field line.
 
That was enough to chase starter Aliyah Binford from the game. Gia Rodoni came on in relief and held the Kats scoreless the rest of the way to improve to 5-4 on the season.
 
Freshman Christine Billmeier pitched the final 3 2/3 scoreless innings in relief for Sam Houston and only allowed three hits.
 
The Bearkats will be back in Southland Conference action this weekend when they travel to Central Arkansas for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Friday.