TXST BASEBALL
Texas State battles conference leader Coastal Carolina this weekend
After being swept by Southern Miss last weekend, the Bobcats bounced back to beat the Incarnate Word Cardinals 3-1 to snap a three-game losing streak on a rainy night in San Marcos.
It was a big win for both the Bobcats and Head Coach Steven Trout, who looked to get the taste of being swept out of their mouths despite the weather conditions.
“I think everybody thought I was crazy trying to play tonight,” Trout said jokingly. “But honestly I wanted this feeling for our team. You go into the weekend, get swept in some close games and then going up against a tough opponent this weekend, we wanted the feeling of winning again. Obviously a tight game tonight and I thought we pitched the ball really well.”
Sophomore Dawson Park put the Bobcats on the board with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first.
UIW answered in the top of the fourth, scoring on a Bobcat wild pitch.
Later the Cardinals looked to take the lead with a runner on third after deep flyout in center.
But Bennett Fryman made the catch then made a perfect throw to home plate, beating the runner home and preventing the Cardinals from taking the lead.
After struggling to score, the Bobcats were back on the board in the bottom of the seventh.
Following sophomore Ethan Farris’ single in left field, junior Justin Vossos connected with a two-run home run to put Texas State up 3-1 over UIW.
The home run was the game-changer for the Bobcats, as the Cardinals were unable to score another run, leading to the Texas State victory.
Senior Cameron O’Banan earned his second win of the season while senior Sam Hall earned his first save of the season.
Freshman Titan Targac got the start on the mound, holding UIW to just five hits, no earned runs, no walks and striking out a game-high six batters. The Bobcat relievers held UIW to no hits, no runs, one walk and struck out six batters.
CONFERENCE PREVIEW VS COASTAL CAROLINA The Bobcats are looking to snap their five-game conference losing streak as Texas State goes on the road to Coastal Carolina to face off with the No. 9-ranked Chanticleers.
Coastal Carolina, the national runners up from last season, lead the conference standings with a 15-3 conference record and a 28-12 overall record.
It will be a showdown between two of the top offenses in the conference with the Bobcats averaging 7.47 runs per game and the Chanticleers averaging 7.46 runs per game.
First pitch is set for 5 p.m. Friday at Coastal Carolina.
