SAN MARCOS, Texas – The ULM softball team split two tight games by the score of 3-2 Friday against Texas State inside Bobcat Softball Complex.
Texas State 3, ULM 2 (8 innings)
The first scoring opportunity came for the Warhawks in the top of the fourth after freshman Sydney McKay dropped a two-out infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error by Texas State pitcher Randi Rupp. Senior Amye Barre followed up with a 10-pitch walk before freshman Rachel Tadlock popped out to short to end the inning.
The Bobcats (22-10, 3-4 SBC) took advantage of a Sara Rupp two-out double in the bottom of the fourth as Bianca Prado plated Rupp on a single up the middle which gave Texas State a 1-0 advantage.
ULM (15-15, 2-5 SBC) broke through in the top of the sixth after junior Rochelle Roberts hit a one-out single down the left-field line, setting up senior Faith Bohack who lifted a two-run homer to left center which made the score 2-1 in the Warhawks' favor.
Sophomore Paige Porter retired the first two batters in the seventh before an error and two walks loaded the bases. Junior Melanie Coyne entered in relief in an attempt to close out the game but hit the very next batter which tied the game at two apiece. Similarly, in the eighth, a Warhawks' error proved costly as that is how the winning run was scored.
ULM made a season-high five errors in the loss. While the top of the lineup found success and batted .417 (5-12), the bottom six went hitless in 15 at bats. Porter recorded a no decision after allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits through 6.2 innings.
ULM 3, Texas State 2
Freshmen Rachel Tadlock and Brie Wrobel each hit their first career homers and junior Melanie Coyne tossed a complete game as the Warhawks (16-15, 3-5 SBC) prevailed 3-2 in game two.
Wrobel's solo homerun to left field came on a full count with one out in the top of the third and Tadlock's occurred with one out in the sixth to left center. Coyne (10-11) allowed two runs (both earned) and scattered five hits through seven innings, striking out three and walking two. This was Coyne's 11th complete game of the season and 24th of her career. Senior Faith Bohack and junior Rochelle Roberts each recorded two hits in the win.
The Bobcats (22-11, 3-5 SBC) refused to go quietly as they scored a run in the sixth and the seventh on a single and solo homer. The homerun came with none out, but Coyne kept her composure and retired the next three in order.
The rubber match will take place tomorrow at 1 p.m. CT inside Bobcat Softball Complex.
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