PHOENIX, Arizona – The Bobcats remained red hot on both sides of the ball as they put up six runs while pitcher Jessica Mullins struck out the first seven batters she faced and tallied up a total of 13 strikeouts in a 6-0 win over the Grand Canyon Antelopes that improved their season record to 13-4. The game started as a pitching duel as Mullins and Antelope pitcher Meghan Golden produced three straight 1-2-3 innings for their teams. Things changed in the fourth inning when the Bobcats came up to bat as Hannah Earls got things going with a lead-off single and then stole second base while Ciara Trahan was at bat. Trahan hit a ball deep into the outfield that brought in Earls and a throwing error by the Antelopes would allow her to score putting the Bobcats up 2-0. After a Sara Vanderford pop-out and an Anna Jones walk, Karmyn Bass would single to move Jones to third and advance to second on the throw. Piper Randolph hit a sac fly to drive in Jones and then Bass would steal home on a double steal to put the Bobcats up 4-0 after four innings. After Trahan reached on a fielder’s choice Vanderford drove her in with a 2-run home run to push the lead to 6. This would prove to be the final score as the Antelopes never really threatened for the remainder of the game.

Game Summary

Jessica Mullins improved to 6-1 on the year and ended the game with 7 innings pitched, 0 earned runs, and 13 strikeouts (a new season high for the Bobcats. Sara Vanderford had 2 RBI’s while Ciara Trahan and Piper Randolph each had 1. Trahan scored 2 runs while Earls, Vanderford, Jones, and Bass each scored once. Earls and Trahan extended their hit streaks to 10 games while Randolph’s hit streak ended at 6 games. This win was the fourth shutout win for the Bobcats this season and they improved to 11-1 when scoring first.

Next up for the Bobcats: Texas Longhorns (11-1; before to Sunday’s matchup against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns) at home on Wednesday, February 28. The first pitch is scheduled for 6pm (central time) and fans are encouraged to wear black for this game. Texas State University is also giving away “Black TXST Swag” at this game.

Next up for the Antelopes: The Purple Classic Tournament that features matchups against Toledo (twice), Montana, Pacific, and New Mexico.