Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor
By Parmida Schahhosseini
Sports Writer
Unlike the last couple of games, the No. 25 Baylor softball team had trouble generating offense after their dominant night on Thursday. Baylor continued the Texas Shootout in a double-header beginning with Sam Houston State and finished with UT Arlington. Baylor’s defense did their job forcing back-to-back shutouts, as the pitching stayed consistent to avoid losses. Baylor started slow in both games, but managed to have key hits, allowing them to score.
In the first game of the double-header, freshman right-handed pitcher Heather Stearns forced a shutout and allowed only two hits. She was also a factor in the offense as her base hit began a drive in which her pitch runner sophomore infielder Jill Reid would score on. She also had a RBI when freshman outfielder Linsey Hays scored in the third inning.
Baylor had chances to really hurt Sam Houston State, but it had trouble taking advantage of opportunities, scoring two runs in nine hits. After back-to-back base hits from senior centerfielder Kathy Shelton and junior first baseman Holly Holl, Baylor looked poised to have another offensive driven game, but the inning ended with plays on bases. In the second inning, Stearns singled up the middle and Reid pinch ran for her.
Strickland singled to left center and Reid scored. After a bunt from sophomore outfielder Kaitlyn Thumann, Strickland advanced. With Shelton at bat, Thumann stole second and Shelton reached on fielder’s choice as Thumann advanced to third and Strickland was called out at home.
Hays singled through the left side, and freshman third baseman Sarah Smith came to the plate next. After being hit by the pitch, she walked and Hays advanced to second. Freshman second baseman Robin Landrith had a sacrifice bunt which allowed Smith to run to second and Hays to advance to third. Stearns grounded out to shortstop, but Hays scored on the play.
Baylor managed to have a couple more hits, but couldn’t produce scores and the game finished 2-0 as the defense held on to the lead.
In the second game of the double-header senior righted-handed pitcher Courtney Repka (3-0) allowed two hits to keep Baylor in the game despite the slow offense.
After a productive night from Smith, head coach Glenn Moore moved Smith in the lineup and she delivered with base hits. Smith had a strong game hitting as she went 3-for-4 for two singles and a double. Thumann’s two runs and freshman outfielder Justine Young’s lone run contributed as well.
After a score from Thumann who got help from a sacrifice bunt from Shelton the offense was quiet until the seventh inning, scoring two more to distance themselves from UT Arlington before giving it back on offense. Young started with inning with a base hit and Thumann followed. Shelton had an awkward infield sacrifice fly, but Young slid down for the score as the catcher misses the tag. Holl singled to the left, which allowed Thumann to score her second run of the game. After another base hit from Smith, Baylor got out as Repka closed the game.
Baylor did enough to win the game and extended their winning streak to 12 games. The Lady Bears (13-2) will play North Texas at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday in San Marcos.
