HUNTSVILLE, TX -- Chandler Hall tossed a two-hitter, striking out 12 batters, to lead Texas State to a 5-1 softball victory over Sam Houston Friday evening at the Bearkat Softball Complex.
The win earned the Bobcats their fourth Southland Conference softball championship in the last five years.
Texas State (34-155, 17-2) totaled five hits, jumping out to a four-run lead in the second inning.
The Bobcats used two doubles, a single and an error to put four runs on the board in the top of the second frame. Third baseman Shelby Carnline had a two-run double, designated hitter Courtney Harris brought in one run with her double and center fielder Jordan Masek scored the fourth run on a sacrifice fly.
Hall did not allow the Bearkats a base runner until walking designated player Kim Damian in the bottom of the fourth inning. Shortstop Sarah Allison got the Bearkats first hit to move Damian to third base. The junior scored on a fly ball to center by first baseman Hillary Adams.
Adams added the Kats’ second hit in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Hall upped her season record to 20-6. Tomi Garrison was the losing pitcher for Sam Houston, striking out four batters.
Sam Houston and Texas State will complete regular season action Saturday at 1 p.m. While the Bobcats will be the number one seed at the Southland tournament next week in San Antonio, SHSU already has sown up the No. 2 spot in the event.
The Bearkats, who were picked to finish eighth in the preseason poll and started the year 1-13, have won 25 of their last 30 games.
