Series NotesLive StatsHOUSTON – HBU returns to Husky Field this weekend to host Sam Houston State in an important Southland Conference series. Saturday's doubleheader begins at 1 pm, while Sunday's single game starts at 2 pm.
HBU currently holds the sixth and final playoff spot in the conference standings, while SHSU is in third place. The Bearkats lead the all-time series, 17-4, and swept a three-game series last season in Huntsville.
HBU (13-20 overall, 7-8 SLC) stepped out of conference play and swept a road doubleheader from Prairie View A&M by scores of 11-1 and 7-0 Wednesday.
Lauren Schwirtlich went 5-for-8 with two home runs, six RBI, and three runs scored in the doubleheader.
L. Schwirtlich's .422 batting average is ranked second in the conference. The leadoff hitter has gone 49-for-116 with five doubles, two triples, 17 RBI, and 28 runs scored. All three of her round-baggers have come in a span of five days.
Shay Orsak is hitting .396 with a conference-best 13 doubles.
Kirsten Schwirtlich, who is hitting .386, leads the Huskies with six homers and 27 RBI.
Emily Mueller leads the pitching staff with a 3.03 ERA, with seven complete games, 28 strikeouts, and 36 walks.
Kendall Stiefel has struck out a staff-best 60 batters and also leads the staff with 20 appearances and three shutouts.
Sam Houston State (20-17 overall, 9-5 SLC) is on a five-game winning streak after sweeping a doubleheader at Northwestern State last Saturday, 7-5 in eight innings and 6-3. Sunday's game was rained out. The Bearkats have not lost since a 12-0 defeat to 12th-ranked Baylor on March 25 and have not lost in conference play since an 8-3 setback to Nicholls on March 23.
Cecilia Castillo leads SHSU with a .349 batting average, as she has gone 37-for-106 at the plate.Tiffany Castillo and Hillary Adams lead the team with 26 RBI apiece.
Shelby Lancaster leads the pitchers with a 3.45 ERA, with five complete games, two shutouts, 25 strikeouts, and 29 walks.
After the series with SHSU, HBU hits the road for eight-straight games, beginning with a three-game series at Central Arkansas Thursday-Friday, April 17-18.
