Bobcats knock-off Penn State in opener

In the first game of the three game series against Penn State, it was Texas State who came out punching first as the Bobcats defeated the Nittany Lions 5-2.

With the series being the first three-game series of the season for Texas State as well as playing against one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference, Head Coach Ricci Woodard knew the Bobcats were in for the figurative fight.

“Today went just as I hoped it would,” Woodard said. “I knew it was going to be a battle. All three games are going to be a battle. [Penn State] is not going to come in here and just let us win. It’s going to be a great series. It’s nice to get the first win out of the way and put another W in that column. It’s going to be a battle because they are a good ball club.”

After two scoreless innings from both Texas State and Penn State, the Bobcats were the ones to strike first.

Senior first baseman J.J. Smith and sophomore second baseman Katarina Zarate both got on base with a single into right field and bunt for Texas State’s first hits of the game.

Sophomore catcher Megan Kelnar loaded the bases for the Bobcats following a bunt with no outs.

Lead-off hitter Hannah Earls scored the first run with an RBI single into left field to give Texas State a 1-0 lead though Zarate was called out on the force out at third base.

After a strikeout and a Sara Vanderford walk to load the bases, Anna Jones broke the game open with an RBI single to clear bases following a Penn State throwing error as the Bobcats took a commanding 4-0 lead.

The Nittany Lions were able to answer back with a score in the top of the fourth only for Texas State to answer back with a Smith RBI double.

The Nittany Lions scored another run in the top of the sixth inning, but it wasn’t enough as the Bobcats won 5-2.

Jones led the offense going 2-3 from the plate with two RBIs.

Starting pitcher Jessica Mullins threw the complete game throwing seven innings allowing just five hits, one earned run, no walks and striking out seven batters.

One of the keys for the Texas State offense this season has been attacking early and giving the team an early advantage.

“We have been focusing on coming out and punching first,” Jones said. “Just attacking pitches and our opponents as early as we can so we can get ahead. The statistics say if you earn three runs in the first inning or before your opponent, you are more likely to win the game.”

Texas State wraps up their series with Penn State in a double-header Friday before press time.

Texas State will be back on the road next weekend in the conference opener against James Madison.

cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc