HUNTSVILLE -- Sam Houston could not complete the comeback as it fell 5-4 in the second game of a Conference USA series against New Mexico State on Saturday at Bearkat Softball Complex.
The Bearkats had the tying run at second base in the bottom of the seventh, but could not capitalize from the batter's box when they needed it most. Ultimately leaving the runner stranded on base.
Abigail Young was tabbed with the loss today after going five innings with four strikeouts.
Mika Vento came in on relief for the last two innings and recorded two strikeouts while allowing only a single hit.
New Mexico State got off to a hot start in the game, scoring 4 runs on four hits in the first two frames highlighted by a three-run homer into left field in the second inning. The Kats were not able to replicate the Aggies hot start however, only tabbing a single hit in the first two frames.
With the game teetering heading into the bottom of the third, Sam Houston finally got the offensive spark it needed. It started with a
Haleigh Carter triple into right field that set up the first run of the game brought in by an
Ellie Grill single.
Elia Hebel would join in on the scoring action with a drive into right center field that would bring Grill home. Julia Helzinger capped the inning off with a sacrifice flyout to drive in the third run of the inning.
As the game neared the final stretch, the Aggies scored off of a solo home run in the top of the fifth. But it was Hebel again who drilled one to the scoreboard to keep the game within a run for the Kats.
Sam Houston could not find the offense it needed to to bring the game home, as a 1-2-3 inning for the Bearkats kept the offense at bay in the sixth. With one last chance to walk it off after a fielder's choice put Hebel in scoring position, the Kat could not get the winning run home with the next two batters.
The Kats will look to avoid a series sweep Sunday at the Bearkat Softball Complex. First pitch is set for 12:30 p.m.
