King allows one hit in shut out of Cardinals

A single in the opening inning of Texas State’s game against Incarnate Word on Wednesday didn’t faze sophomore starting pitcher Megan King.

When Cardinals junior utility player Delaney Guzman singled to third base on a 2-2 count inside Bobcat Softball Stadium, King steeled up. The team got the final out of the inning in the next at-bat and King didn’t allow anyone to reach base the rest of the game, securing a 2-0 victory for the hosts.

The right-hander’s teammates gave her a cushion in the bottom of the first frame. Junior infielder Bailee Carter took four balls to reach first base and moved into scoring position by stealing second. Sophomore infielder Tara Oltmann brought her home with a double to left field, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

King struck out two in the second and Texas State added an insurance run in the bottom of the third with an RBI from sophomore infielder ArieAnn Bell allowing freshman outfielder Molly Damiana, pinch running for junior infielder Hailey MacKay, to score.

The starting pitcher finished the game with one hit, six strikeouts, zero walks and zero runs to complete the 2-0 win, improving her record to 6-8. The Bobcats were walked eight times during Tuesday’s game but left nine on base, registering just three hits.

Texas State (12-15, 2-4 Sun Belt) will travel for a road series against Louisiana Monroe, the first game set for Friday at 6 p.m.