The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
San Diego State
Softball knocks off San Diego State, 5-0, to win Texas Classic
02.18.2007 | Softball
AUSTIN, Texas -- After three scoreless innings, Texas sophomore rightfielder Kacie Gaskin launched a two-run home run over the left field wall, giving the Longhorns all the offense they would need, as they downed San Diego State, 5-0, Sunday afternoon. The win captured the Texas Classic championship for Texas (8-2), which posted a 4-1 record at the three-day tourney.
Junior starter Meagan Denny (4-1) and freshman righthander Erin Tresselt combined on a four-hit shutout, totaling seven strikeouts and holding the Aztecs hitless over the final three frames. Tresselt earned her first career save after tossing 2.0 innings of scoreless relief. San Diego State (5-5) hurler Melissa Owens (2-3) suffered the loss, surrendering two runs on five hits in 4.0 innings of work.
Gaskin jumpstarted the Longhorns offense with a two-run homer in the fourth, and UT added to its lead in the sixth inning, sending eight batters to the plate, recording four hits and registering three runs.
"Today was a great day for Kacie (Gaskin), coming up with two big defensive plays and a clutch hit," noted head coach Connie Clark. "If you had to pick an MVP for today, it definitely would be Kacie."
The sophomore rightfielder once again started the Horns' rally in the sixth with a single to right centerfield. Gaskin was retired on a fielder's choice, but five consecutive Longhorns reached base, with junior centerfielder MicKayla Padilla driving home a pair of runs with a two-run double to centerfield. Sophomore second baseman Shannon Thomas followed Padilla with an infield RBI single to push the Texas edge to 5-0, where it would stand for the duration of the game.
"I just came out and played to the best of my ability today," commented Gaskin. "It was the championship game, and that is when you really have to step up, play well and give it all that you have."
Thomas and Gaskin headlined the Texas offense on the day, notching a pair of three-hit performances, with Gaskin adding a pair of outfield assists, gunning down two Aztecs runners at third base.
Texas returns to action Friday, Feb. 23 when it travels to Palm Springs, Calif. for the Palm Springs Classic. The Longhorns kickoff tournament play when they take on No.15/17 Washington, Friday at 12:30 p.m. Central. Live stats will be available for all of the Longhorns games at the weekend tourney.
