Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Houston Baptist hit four Bearkats in the two decisive innings, as HBU was swept by a doubleheader against host Sam Houston State, 5-4 in nine innings, and 5-4, Saturday afternoon from the Bearkat Softball Field.

The first game was a back-and-forth affair. HBU took a 1-0 lead with an RBI single by Victoria Granchelli in the top of the first, but was answered by an RBI single by SHSU's Ashley Isbell.

The Huskies took the lead back with a two-out triple by Lauren Schwirtlich, who then scored on a Bearkat error in the top of the second.

The score remained 2-1 HBU until SHSU scored a single run in the bottom of the fifth to knot the game at two-all on an RBI single by Kim Damian.

HBU scored in the top of the sixth to take a 3-2 lead, but was answered by the Bearkats to make the score 3-3 entering the top of the seventh. Holly Webb started the seventh with a double to left-center field. Lauren Powers pinch-ran for Webb and advanced to third on a sac bunt by Mac Christensen, then crossed home on an RBI single by Shay Orsak to give the Huskies a 4-3 lead entering the bottom of the seventh.

But the Bearkats answered yet again, as Isbell hit a one-out home run to left field to tie the game at 4-4.

The Huskies went down in order in the top of the eighth and the Bearkats went back to business. Reigning Southland Conference Hitter of the Week Tori Benavidez drew a two-out intentional walk, then stole second. After a walk to Cecilia Castillo put runners at first and second, Tiffany Castillo struck out to end the threat.

The Huskies again went down in order in the top of the ninth. Two hit by pitches placed Bearkats at first and second with two outs. Alyssa Coggins hit an RBI single to left field, which scored Isbell as the winning run.

Kirsten Schwirtlich went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. V. Granchelli went 2-for-4, as she and Orsak had the two RBI.

Kendall Stiefel (4-4) suffered the complete-game loss in the circle, allowing 13 hits, five runs, and four walks while striking out seven.

Isbell led SHSU by going 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Coggins went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.

Meme Quinn (7-4) went the distance in the circle, allowing nine hits, four runs (two earned), and one walk while striking out 10.

In game two's 5-4 SHSU win, seven of the nine total runs were scored in the first two innings. HBU scored three times in the top of the first. Melissa Herman hit an RBI single that scored Lauren Schwirtlich. V. Granchelli then singled down the right-field line which scored K. Schwirtlich. Herman then scored unearned, as Daniella Rodarte reached base safely on a Bearkat error.

SHSU got two of the runs back, as Benavidez led off the inning with a walk, then C. Castillo homered to left.

The Bearkats took a 4-3 lead with a two-run second. Amy Pelton led off the inning with a double, then scored on an RBI single by Benavidez. Benavidez advanced to second on the throw and reached third safely on a Husky error. She crossed home on an RBI single by C. Castillo.

HBU tied the game 4-4 with a single run in the top of the fifth, as K. Schwirtlich hit a one-out homer to left field.

HBU survived a sixth inning jam unscathed, as SHSU had bases loaded with just one out and the game tied 4-4. Jessica Slater reached safely on a fielder's choice, as the Huskies got the runner headed home to keep the game tied. The Huskies then got the dangerous Benavidez to strike out swinging to end the threat.

L. Schwirtlich started the top of the seventh with a single up the middle and was at second following a sac bunt by Rebecca Rademacher, but the Huskies had two groundouts to second to end the inning.

T. Castillo hit a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh for the Bearkats. After a pop up, SHSU had a hit by pitch, followed by a single by Angelica Gonzales to load the bases for Pelton. Pelton was hit by a pitch to bring home the winning run.

L. Schwirtlich, K. Schwirtlich, and Herman each went 2-for-4 for HBU. K. Schwirtlich and Herman each had an RBI. K. Schwirtlich had two runs scored, while Herman had one.

Keely Shuler started in the circle and lasted 1.2 innings, allowing five hits, four runs, and one walk. Sarah Shotton (3-5) took the loss in relief. She allowed six hits, one run, and one walk while striking out six in 5.0 innings.

C. Castillo went 2-for-5 with three RBI for SHSU, while Pelton went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

Shelby Lancaster (9-7) went the distance in the circle, allowing eight hits, four runs, and one walk while striking out four.

HBU (13-15, 6-8 SLC) and Sam Houston State (22-18, 8-6 SLC) conclude the weekend series Sunday at 1 pm.