Cougars Need Nine Innings to Defeat Texas State, 3-0

April 21, 2010

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Snapping a 13-game losing streak on the road, the University of Houston softball team defeated Texas State in a nine-inning 3-0 shutout Wednesday night at Bobcat Softball Stadium. Houston improves to 24-21 (8-9 Conference USA) on the season while Texas State drops to a 21-19 (16-5 Southland) record.

Ashleigh Jones recorded a leadoff hit for Houston in the first inning. She then advanced to second on Melissa Gregson's walk. The duo shifted to third and second when Reina Gaber grounded out to first base. However, their scoring threat ended when Brooke Lathan struck out swinging.

The Bobcats had the opportunity to score in bottom of the fourth inning. After Haley Lemons hit a base single up the middle, Brooke Baker came in to pinch run. She proceeded to steal second on a close call before Bailey Watts struck out the next batter. Jenna Emery was then hit by a pitch to give Texas State a two-base occupancy. The two runners advanced to third and second as they took advantage of a passed ball. However, Watts pulled through with another strikeout to retire the inning.

In the following frame, Holly Anderson belted a single to center field for Houston's third hit. Unfortunately, the freshman was thrown out at second on a Jones fielder's choice. Mary Tyler Dobson followed with a pop up to the shortstop for the third out.

Texas State looked to have a promising sixth inning when Lemons drew a leadoff walk. Emery was hit by another pitch to put two runners on base. Watts salvaged the inning as she struck out the next two batters, sending both Bobcats to the dugout swinging.

The game remained scoreless through the seventh inning. Allyce Rother drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on Shelby Carnline's sacrifice bunt. Lathan caught a tough line drive from Kristina Tello and then sent the game into extra innings when she caught Anna Hernandez'a fly ball.

The Cougars captured the game in the top of the ninth inning with three runs. Lathan belted a leadoff single up the middle, and Angela Spittler and Jennifer Klinkert drew walks to load the bases. Anderson batted in the first run with a single to right field, sending Lathan home. Spittler tried to follow but was tagged out by catcher Macie Hair. On the next at bat, Jones blasted a two-run single up the middle, plating Klinkert and Anderson.

Watts (11-8) earned the win with nine strikeouts and four walks in nine innings of work. Jones led the team, going 3-for-5 with two RBI, while Lathan and Anderson both went 2-for-4 with a run.

UP NEXT
The Cougars host their final home series this weekend against East Carolina on April 24-25 before hosting the 2010 Conference USA Championship on May 13-15. First pitch is scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.

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