Bobcats’ win streak snapped by Longhorns

Texas State’s nine-game winning streak came to an end on Wednesday, as the Bobcats were run-ruled by Texas in Austin on Wednesday in six innings, 10-0.

The Longhorns got on the board in the bottom of the first inning with two runs in the first inning and added another in the third to take a quick 3-0 lead. None of Texas State’s batters reached first base until the fifth inning.

Junior catcher Haleigh Davis took four straight balls for a walk, spoiling Texas freshman pitcher Shealyn O’Leary’s chance at a perfect game. Sophomore infielder ArieAnn Bell followed with a single in the next at bat, and freshman Molly Damiani subbed in to pinch run for Davis. A throwing error allowed both runners to advance into scoring position with just one out.

But the Bobcats were unable to bring either home as the Longhorns got the next two outs and scored another run in the bottom of the frame to make it 4-0.

Sophomore lefty Maria Flores relieved senior starting pitcher Krista Jacobs in the sixth inning with one on base and no outs. Flores walked her first batter, then gave up a three-run homer and was relieved by junior right-handed pitcher Meagan King. King surrendered two singles and another three-run homerun in the next three at-bats, ending the game via run rule, 10-0.

Jacobs (2-4) received the loss, allowing five runs on 10 hits in five innings of work. Bell and junior outfielder Christiana McDowell were the only players to register hits for the visitors, though the team only struck out twice. It’s the first time the maroon and gold have been shut out since March 2, when it fell to Wichita State, 3-0, at the 2019 Houston Red & White Showcase.

Texas State (19-16, 8-4 Sun Belt) will return home to play a double-header in its conference series against Appalachian State (25-9, 10-2) inside Bobcat Softball Stadium on Friday. The first game begins at 2 p.m., followed by the second at 4:30 p.m.