HUNSTVILLE — Sam Houston was close to notching its first Conference USA win of the season but fell victim to a rally in a 7-6 loss to Liberty on Saturday at Bearkat Softball Complex.
The Flames (17-12, 7-1 CUSA) wasted no time getting on the board with a pair of runs on three hits and two walks in the first inning. Starting pitcher
Daryn Grams was able to limit the damage however, to get out of the jam.
Liberty tacked on another run in the second when the Flames loaded the bases. A sacrifice fly made it 3-0 before Grams could get out of the threat.
That early deficit seemed to ignite the Sam Houston (11-19, 0-8) offense.
Tricia Yarotsky led off the bottom the second with a single and moved to second and a wild pitch.
Julia Herzinger singled to left, and a wild pitch led to the first run.
Morgan Holliday cut the lead to 3-2 with an RBI single, and the Kats took the lead at 6-3 on a fielder's choice and an error.
The Flames were not going to go quietly. Liberty made it a one-run game with a two-run blast in the fourth then retook the lead with two runs in the sixth to make it 7-6.
That proved to be enough as Liberty secured the series victory with the win as Sam Houston left the game-winning runs on base.
The Flames will go for the sweep in the finale today at noon.
