Sam Houston State suffered their worst defeat yet, dropping a heartbreaker to number five ranked Texas A&M University, 2-1 in 14 innings.
SHSU struck first in the bottom of the third inning when shorstop Hailey Wiginton hit a one out triple to center field. Right fielder Alex Survant then hit a single to right field to drive in Wiginton and take a 1-0 lead.
SHSU then proceeeded to play the game with excellent pitching from Brandi Crnkovic, as well as strong defense.
However, just as it seemed that the game was in the bag, Texas A&M clean-up batter Holly Ridley smacked a monster over the left field fence, hitting the scoreboard, for a solo homerun, tying the game 1-1 in the top of the seventh inning. As a result, the game went into extra innings.
After one scoreless inning, SHSU had the chance to capitalize on a dreamboat situation. In the bottom of the ninth, following two singles and a walk, the Bearkats found themselves with bases loaded and no outs.
However, SHSU failed to produce a run after two fly outs and a strike out ended any chances of winning the game.
The final winner was not decided until the 14th inning when A&M’s Alex Reynolds singled. Erin Glasco then added a single,but Reynolds was allowed to score due to an error by SHSU centerfielder Janaye Richardson on the play.
SHSU failed to capitalize yet again with a runner at third base when third baseman Sarah Parich ended the game, giving A&M the nail-biting victory.
SHSU’s Crnkovic posted a record 14 innings pitched in the circle, as A&M’s Rhiannon Kliesing did the same.
In total, SHSU had 11 hits in 53 at-bats, posting a .208 batting average, while A&M had 9 hits in 46 at-bats, posting a .196 batting average. Both SHSU and A&M now stand at 4-1 on the season.
The Bearkats will play A&M two more times.
SHSU travels to Baton Rouge, LA to play in the LSU Tiger Classic this weekend. They return to Bearkat Softball Stadium Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. when they play Prairie View A&M in a doubleheader.