Houston Softball Drops Heartbreaker to Texas

Wednesday, April 1

Cougar Softball Stadium

6:00 PM

University of Houston

17-18

No. 25 Texas

24-9

Texas

Houston

4/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

April 1, 2015

Final Stats | Photo Gallery

2015 Season Stats | BOX SCORE

HOUSTON - Four home runs including a grand slam by junior Julana Shrum wasn't enough to hold off in-state rival No. 25/RV Texas as Houston Softball dropped a heartbreaker to the Longhorns, 13-12, in front of 1,500 fans during the 9th Annual Striking Out Breast Cancer game.

The Cougars drop to 17-18 on the season while Texas improves to 24-9.

The 1,500 fans on hand for the game marked the highest attendance of the season at Cougar Softball Stadium. This game was also the longest seven-inning game of the year (2:57).

A gusty wind helped Texas open up the game with a two-run homer over the right field fence, but Houston tied it up when senior shortstop Selena Hernandez roped her third home run of the season, bringing in Katie St. Pierre with her.

Both teams went scoreless in the second inning before the Longhorns regained the lead off a solo home run by Stephanie Wong, pushing their lead to 3-2.

Houston wouldn't let that last Shrum knocked in two runs off a blast to centerfield, her 13th HR of the season.

With a 5-3 lead heading into the top of the fourth, Houston held the Longhorns with the 24th double play of the season to close out the half inning.

The Cougars extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth (10-3), scoring five runs off three hits. Senior second baseman Kayla Holland led off with a double to RF, advancing to second on a bunt by St. Pierre who beat out the throw at first. St. Pierre moved to third as Holland tried to steal home but was caught by the Longhorns' catcher. Freshman left fielder Kaylin Crumpton drew the five-pitch walk and stole second to place runners in scoring position. Hernandez walked to load the bases before Shelby Miller drew another walk to bring in a run.

But it was Shrum who blasted one straight over the CF fence for her first grand slam of the season, second HR of the game and 14th of the season.

The Longhorns cut into Houston's lead with a four-run fifth inning off a Holly Kern grand slam, the sixth HR of the game.

Erin Shireman went deep for the Longhorns to bring in three runs in the top of the sixth to gain the lead.

But a very fiery Hernandez stepped up and blasted a solo shot the following half inning to tie the game, 11-11.

In their last at bat, the Longhorns put two across to regain the lead off three singles.

The Cougars had one final shot to take the win, as St. Pierre hit a two-out double blooper, scoring on a Crumpton dinker to RF. Hernandez singled through the right side before the two were stranded on base to end the game.

Hernandez led the Cougars as she went 3-for-3 with two home runs, four runs, two walks, and three RBIs. Shrum followed going 3-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs.

UP NEXT
Houston Softball returns to Cougar Softball Stadium on Friday for a doubleheader against East Carolina for the second American Athletic Conference series of the season. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. with a 20-30 minute break between games.

The Cougars close out the series with a noon start on Saturday. The final game of the series is the Bark In the Park game. Fans can bring their four-legged best friends to Cougar Softball Stadium.

BUY SEASON TICKETS
Fans can purchase season tickets online by visiting UHCougars.com/SBtickets and following the appropriate links or by clicking here.

To purchase tickets in person, fans can visit the Athletics Ticket Office located on the northeast corner of TDECU Stadium, just outside of Gate 1 off Cullen Boulevard. Parking is available in the TDECU Stadium parking garage with the first 30 minutes free of charge. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All UH main campus students are admitted FREE to regular-season softball home games with a valid student ID.

SINGLE-GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Fans can purchase general admission single-game tickets beginning as low as $5 for youth and $8 for adults through UHCougars.com or by contacting the Houston Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).

While single-game tickets are available, fans are encouraged to save and purchase 2015 season tickets. General admission season tickets are just $75 for 28 home games ($2.68 per ticket). Fans can also purchase season tickets online by clicking here or calling the ticket office 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).

STAY CONNECTED
For all the behind-the-scenes action, follow Houston Softball on Twitter @UHCougarSB and "Like" /HoustonCougarSoftball on Facebook. Houston Softball is now on Instagram (@uhcougarsb).