SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Bobcats (32-9) fell to Troy (27-15) 4-3 after a battle that took 12 innings to crown a winner.
After a scoreless first inning for both teams the Trojans accomplished something they hadn’t been able to do in the first two games. For the first time in this series the Trojans were able to take a lead on the Bobcats.
Anslee Finch hit a double to get things going for the Trojans in the bottom of the second inning. After a strikeout by Cassidy Boltz, Sarah Brake was walked. Finch and Brake then advanced to third and second base after a passed ball. Jillian Williams then hit a sac-fly to right field that brought in Finch and moved Brake to third. Natalie Turner would then strikeout to end the inning. The Trojans had their first lead of the series, 1-0, heading into the bottom of the second inning.
After a scoreless third inning, the Bobcats would strike back in the bottom of the fourth inning.
JJ Smith would start the inning with a game tying solo home run that was her seventh of the year and tied Sara Vanderford for the team lead in that category. Next, Megan Kelnar would fly out and Kamden Hutton grounded out for the first two outs of the inning. Sydney Harvey and Hannah Earls both singled to left field to give the Bobcats runners on first and second base. Piper Randolph would then single to right field to drive in Harvey and move Earls to third. Vanderford would ground out to end the inning as the Bobcats took the lead 2-1 after four innings of play.
After two scoreless innings the Trojans would get back on the scoreboard and regain the lead.
After a Rebekah Johnson strikeout and a Jade Sinness ground out it looked like the Bobcats were on their way to victory, but D’Aun Riggs spoiled those plans by hitting a single to left field to keep the Trojans alive. Libby Baker was walked and then Audra Thompson hit a double to drive in Riggs and an error on the throw in also allowed Savannah Money, who was pinch running for Baker, to score to give the Trojans the lead. Finch would pop out to end the inning as the Trojans were now in front 3-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Bobcats wasted no time tying the game in the bottom of the seventh inning as Hannah Earls got a leadoff single to get things going. Randolph would then hit a double to drive her in and tie the game at 3 runs apiece. Vanderford laid down a sac-bunt to move Randolph to third base. Jones would ground out next and then Bass and Smith would be walked to load the bases. Emilee Baker was up next to pinch hit for Kelnar and she would fly out to end the inning. The game was now tied, and we headed to extra innings.
After a scoreless eighth through eleventh innings the Trojans would secure the win in the top of the twelfth inning.
Thompson hit a leadoff home run to put the Trojans ahead 4-3 in what would prove to be the winning run.
The Bobcats took the series 2-1 after picking up wins on Friday and Saturday.
Next up: The Bobcats travel to Austin for a mid-week game against the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, April 10 with the first pitch scheduled for 4:30pm (CT).
Game Notes
•Jessica Mullins received a no contest decision and remains at 21-4 on the season. She finished with 8 strikeouts, allowed 7 hits and 0 earned runs in 6.2 innings pitched.
•Maddy Azua entered the game in the seventh inning and fell to 6-4 on the season. She finished with 2 strikeouts, allowed 5 hits and 1 earned run in 5.1 innings pitched.
•Piper Randolph had 3 hits and 2 RBI’s, JJ Smith had 2 hits (1 home run) and 1 RBI, Sydney Harvey had 2 hits, and Hannah earls and Anna Jones each had 2 hits for the Bobcats.
•The Bobcats fell to 9-3 in Sun Belt Conference play, and they are now 28-1 in games where they score 3 or more runs this season.
Our cover photo for this article is used courtesy of Peter Vives and you can follow him on Instagram by clicking here. Thank you, Pete!
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