Bobcat Softball Drops Home Opener to UTSA

By Thomas Mejia
Sports Reporter

The Bobcats got chilly as the reigning Sun Belt conference champions began their season with a 3-2 loss to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Despite striking out five batters, allowing six hits and giving up three runs, sophomore pitcher Meagan King pitched the whole seven innings in a losing effort.

Texas State took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning after UTSA right fielder Paige Pacher dropped a fly ball in the outfield. Bobcat freshman designated player Molly Damiani took advantage of the error and rounded home.

The ‘Cats lost their lead in the third inning after King gave up three hits to the Roadrunners that drove in three runs to give UTSA a 3-1 lead. King shut the Roadrunners down for the rest of the game to keep the Bobcats within striking distance.

Junior center fielder Christiana McDowell led the ‘Cats’ offense by going two-for-three at the plate, while Damiani went two-for-four in her college debut. They were the only two Bobcats to get multiple hits during the game.

A one-run loss could have been a victory for the Bobcats as they left nine runners stranded on base. Late opportunities rose for the ‘Cats to be able to not only cut the lead but also take it back.

In the bottom of the sixth inning sophomore first baseman ArieAnn Bell hit a RBI single to left field to score freshman Cat Crenek from third base. The score cut UTSA’s lead to 3-2 heading to the seventh inning.

King did her part in the seventh inning as she was able to leave one Roadrunner stranded on base to keep the game at a one-run deficit. In the bottom of the seventh the ‘Cats had bases loaded with two outs; a chance to win the game was in Texas State’s grasp. However, the Bobcats were unable to score as the game ended with a fly ball to second base.

Texas State will continue the Bobcat Classic as they play a double header tomorrow with the first game starting at 1:15 p.m. against North Dakota State and the second game starting right after against Colorado State. Catch all the action this weekend at Bobcat Stadium.