By Randy Stevens
Sports Editor
San Marcos — For a while it looked as if the Texas State Bobcats were going to learn a tough lesson about mistakes and missed opportunities.
A wild pitch in the sixth and a RBI bunt in the seventh evened what was a 2-1 Bobcat lead, sending the game into extra frames. Texas State then left a pair of runners stranded in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings, while Baylor scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth thanks to a hard shot off Bobcat pitcher Chandler Hall.
But Hall and the Bobcats got redemption in a big way, posting two runs in the bottom of the ninth for the 4-3 win.
With the international run rule in effect, Lindsay Matt started at second base for the Bobcats, as Kristina Tello delivered a double over the head of Baylor left fielder Tiffany Wesley, scoring Matt to tie the game before advancing to third on the throw to the plate. Hall then stepped up and delivered a perfect bunt between the Baylor pitcher and catcher, allowing Tello to run and slide in for the game-winning run.
The Bobcats (10-11) took the early lead in the bottom of the first when McKenzie Baack sacrifice grounder to the shortstop scored Tello with the bases loaded. However, State missed an opportunity to inflict more damage, leaving a pair of runners in scoring position. Texas State stranded a total of 11 runners compared to nine for Baylor.
While Hall came through at the plate for State, it was her performance on the mound, as well as an error-less effort from her defense, that kept the Bears (16-8) at bay. Hall (7-5) pitched all nine innings, allowing two earned runs on nine hits with 11 strikeouts and one walk.
Still, Hall said she felt like she needed to come through with a big at-bat, and she delivered. Sticking her bat out on the first pitch, the ball dropped about five feet in front of the plate, allowing Tello to slide into home just before the short toss from BU pitcher Courtney Repka to catcher Courtney Nieten. When home-plate umpire Marvin Hall signaled Tello was safe at home, the Bobcat celebration ensued.
Repka (9-4) was credited with the loss after surrendering two earned run n six hits in 5 2/3 innings. She only struck out two Bobcat hitters.
Texas State is back in action this weekend when the team returns to Southland Conference play Saturday as the team opens a three-game series at McNeese State.
For quotes and photos from Wednesday night’s game pick up Thursday’s print edition of the San Marcos Daily Record.
