Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

HOUSTON – After a nine-day layoff, Houston Baptist returned to the field and lost two close games at Sam Houston State Tuesday evening by scores of 2-0 and 4-3.

The Huskies were held to just three hits in game one, as the Bearkats had a two-run third inning.

In the bottom of the third, Tori Benavidez hit a one-out single, then stole second. Following an Alyssa Coggins single that placed her on second on the Husky throw to third, reigning Southland Conference Player of the Week Kim Damian brought home both Benavidez and Coggins on an RBI single.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Bearkats threatened for more, with runners at the corners with nobody out. After a groundout and an infield popup, the Bearkats loaded the bases with a two-out walk, but Husky hurler Kendall Stiefel got out of the inning with no damage done with a popup.

The Huskies could not get any offense, as they went down in order the next three innings to end the game.

Daniella Rodarte, Michaela Granchelli and Holly Webb each had a hit for HBU. Stiefel went the distance, allowing eight hits, two earned runs and two walks, while striking out two.

Benavidez and Hillary Adams each had two hits for SHSU, while Damian had two RBI. Meme Quinn had a near perfect performance in the circle, giving up just three hits and not walking a batter, while striking out eight.

In game two, HBU got on the board first with a single run in the top of the third. Callie Herrington led off the inning with a single. Following a successful sac bunt by Rebecca Rademacher that placed Herrington on second, and advancing to third following a groundout, Herrington scored on an RBI single by M. Granchelli.

The Bearkats would come back with a three-run fourth inning, as Shelbi Tucker hit a three-run homer.

Each team scored a run in the fifth inning, as Rodarte scored on an RBI single by Melissa Herman for HBU. SHSU would get the run right back in the bottom half of the inning, as Benevidez scored on an RBI double by Coggins.

HBU cut the deficit to one with a run in the top of the seventh, as Victoria Granchelli scored on a Bearkat error, but the Huskies could not get any more runs, as Webb grounded out to third to end the game.

Herman led HBU with two hits, while she and M. Granchelli each had an RBI. Sarah Shotton started the game and allowed six hits, four earned runs and two walks in 4.1 innings. Keely Shuler relieved Shotton and gave up two hits in 1.2 innings.

Coggins led the Bearkats with two hits. Shelby Lancaster earned the win, giving up five hits and one earned run in 4.2 innings. Tomi Garrison earned the save, allowing four hits, one unearned run and one walk while striking out one in 1.2 innings.

HBU (11-20) will return home for a season-high six-game home stand, beginning tomorrow, Wed., Apr. 4 against UTSA. First pitch is at 2 pm.