The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Stanford
Softball pushes win streak to 12 games with win over Cardinal
02.24.2006 | Softball
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. -- Stanford pitcher Becky McCullough walked in both Texas runs and Cat Osterman threw her seventh shutout of the season as the fourth-ranked Longhorns topped the sixth-ranked Cardinal, 2-0, on Friday evening to close the first day of play at the Palm Springs Classic at the Big League Dream Sports Park.
Rachael Cook and Jackie Williams both drew bases-loaded walks in the fifth inning to put the Horns ahead, and Osterman recorded 16 strikeouts to move within 13 K's of the NCAA career strikeout record.
Texas (14-1) pushed its winning streak to 12 games and defeated Stanford for the second time this season by the same 2-0 score, while Stanford (12-2) suffered its second loss of the season at the hands of the Horns.
Osterman (8-0) tossed her seventh shutout in eight starts this year, scattering four hits while striking out 16 and walking one. McCullough (3-1) allowed two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out one.
Tina Boutelle collected the Horns' only multiple-hit night, going 2-for-3.
The Longhorns plated two runs in the top of the fifth when McCullough issued three straight walks to bring in two runners. Desiree Williams started the inning off with a single through the left side, and Amber Hall followed with a hit of her own to the left-side infield gap to put runners at first and second. Megan Willis sacrificed them over one base, but Kelly Melone's infield fielder's choice allowed the Cardinal to get Williams out at home.
With runners now at second and third, McCullough intentionally walked Chez Sievers to face Cook. Cook saw five pitches and drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in Hall for a UT 1-0 lead. Jackie Williams then followed and drew another walk - McCullough's third in a row - to plate Melone, giving Texas a 2-0 lead.
The Longhorns had the first threat of the game when Boutelle led off the game with a double to the left center gap. She moved to third with one out, but McCullough forced Hall to pop out and Megan Willis struck out, stranding Boutelle.
Stanford had its first scoring threat in the third inning when Coon drew a one-out walk, and after a Michelle Smith strikeout, Missy Penna connected for the Cardinal's first hit of the evening - a single to shallow left center - that put runners on first and second. However, Osterman got Jackie Reinhart to strikeout looking at an inside pitch to end the inning and preserve the 0-0 score.
Stanford again threatened in the sixth inning when Lappen and Coon had back-to-back hits to open the frame. Smith flied out to right, allowing Lappen to advance to third, ready to come home. However, Osterman struck out Penna and Rinehart to get out of the jam and keep the Horns ahead, 2-0.
Texas returns to action with two games on Saturday at the Palm Springs Classic. UT will take on No. 23 Fresno State at 5 p.m. before facing UNLV at 7:30 p.m. Times are listed Central. Live stats will be available for both games at TexasSports.com.
