Three Home Runs Propel Softball Over Texas in Game Two

March 19, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas--The University of Houston softball team hit three home runs in game two to capture the 5-0 shutout over Texas, after a 2-1 loss in game one of the doubleheader at Red & Charline McCombs Field. UH is now 12-12 overall this season.

Houston 5, Texas 0
Houston recorded seven hits, five runs, three home runs, two double plays and four RBI in 5-0 win over Texas in game two of the doubleheader.

Houston put the first run on the board after sophomore Katy Beth Sherman reached base on a throwing error by catcher Amy Hooks. Sherman advanced to second on the throw and then to third on a wild pitch. She eventually scored on another wild pitch.

Texas would load the bases in the bottom of the third inning with two outs on a double, a walk and a hit by pitch. Sophomore Baillie Lott struck out Tallie Thrasher to end the inning and the Longhorns' scoring threat.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Cougars added two more runs on the board when senior Laurie Wagner hit her third home run this season, and freshman Melissa Gregson hit her team-high sixth home run this season for a 3-0 advantage over Texas.

Because of the two home runs, the Longhorns brought Erin Tresselt in to pitch for Torrey Schroeder.

In the bottom of the fourth, Crystal Saenz led off and hit a single to left field, but Houston was able to eliminate the runner when Kacie Gaskin grounded into a double play.

Senior Christa Raley hit the Cougars' third home run of the game for her fifth of the season to take the 4-0 lead.

Haley Valis would then hit her eighth double of the season to drive Wagner in, who also reached base on a double. Texas made another pitching change, bringing Desiree Williams in for Tresselt. Gregson and Lott would groundout for the final two outs of the inning.

Texas was unable to manufacture any runs in the bottom of the seventh and Houston would take the win.

Lott moves to 5-5 this season after striking out four and allowing no runs on eight hits. She also recorded her second shutout of the season.

Wagner went 3-for-3 with a home run and a double in the game, while Gregson and Christa both went 1-for-3 with homers hit. Haley Valis also went 1-for-3 with a double.

Houston 1, Texas 2
Although the Cougars outhit Texas 7-4, and scored early in the second inning for the first run of the game, Houston left 11 runners on base and was unable to score any more runs and eventually lost to Texas, 2-1.

Houston's first two hits came in the top of the second inning when on one out, senior Haley Valis and freshman Melissa Gregson hit back-to-back singles to load the bases after senior Laurie Wagner walked.

Sophomore Angela Spittler would strikeout for the second out of the inning, and after four fouls at the plate, sophomore Katy Beth Sherman hit it to the shortstop forcing her into an error and scoring Wagner giving the Cougars' their first and only run of the game. Houston would end the inning, 1-0.

The game would remain scoreless for three innings.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Longhorns tied the scored at one with a home run hit by Amy Hooks.

Despite having bases loaded in the top of the seventh, the Cougars were unable to produce any runs.

Texas would take the 2-1 win in the bottom of the seventh when Kacie Gaskin hit a double to score Crystal Saenz.

Sophomore Amanda Crabtree had seven strikeouts, allowing only two runs on four hits.

Melissa Gregson went 2-for-2, while Haley Valis went 2-for-4. Houston had a combined seven hits.

Up Next
The Cougars will travel to El Paso, Texas to play UTEP in a three-game Conference USA series beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday. The second game will begin at 6 p.m., with the final game being played at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Houston will return to Cougar Softball Stadium Tuesday to play Missouri at 5 p.m. and again on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

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