The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Texas A&M - Corpus Christi
Softball sweeps Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Barnhill throws no-hitter
05.01.2008 | Softball
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Softball team registered 28 hits and 18 runs as it swept its season finale doubleheader with Texas A&M Corpus Christi, 10-2 and 8-0, Thursday night at McCombs Field. Longhorns' freshman righthander Brittany Barnhill tossed her first career no-hitter in game two, fanning four Islanders in 6.0 innings of work. Texas claimed both games by virtue of the eight-run rule, finishing both games in 6.0 innings.
The victories moved Texas to 27-20-2 as it heads into the Big 12 Tournament next weekend, while Texas A&M Corpus Christi fell to 21-29.
Barnhill (7-10) tossed her sixth career complete game and third career shutout in the nightcap after senior starter Meagan Denny (19-8) recorded a complete game victory in game one. Denny surrendered two runs on four hits in 6.0 inning of work, striking out nine and walking three. Islanders' game one starter Margo Hurdt (9-7) suffered the loss, surrendering 10 runs on 16 hits in 5.1 innings. Game two starter, Andrea Simancas (0-2) was saddled with the loss after giving up eight runs on 12 hits in 5.1 innings of work.
In game one Texas recorded a season-high 16 hits with sophomore shortstop Loryn Johnson leading the way with a 3-for-4 effort. Junior first baseman Desiree Williams and sophomore centerfielder Kori Cook added a pair of two-hit, two-RBI performances in the 10-2 win.
Five Longhorns posted two-hit efforts in the nightcap, with Williams, Johnson, sophomore designated player Tallie Thrasher, Barnhill and Cook all recording a pair of hits.
Game 1: Texas 10, Texas A&M Corpus Christi 2
After surrendering a two-run homer to Hurdt in the top of the first, Texas rallied for three runs on four hits to claim a 3-2 edge. Junior first baseman Desiree Williams walked to start the inning and advanced on sophomore shortstop Loryn Johnson's single. A two-run triple by sophomore designated player Tallie Thrasher plated Williams and Johnson, while a sacrifice fly by Kelly Melone scored Thrasher to cap the rally.
The Horns added two runs in the home half of the second, taking advantage of an RBI triple by Williams and a run-scoring single by Melone that pushed UT's lead to 5-2. The Longhorns tacked on three more runs in the fifth, using a leadoff homer by junior catcher Kacie Gaskin to start the rally and an RBI double by Crystal Saenz and an RBI single by Williams to move the lead to 8-2.
Sophomore centerfielder Kori Cook's two-run single in the bottom of the sixth moved the score to 10-2 and ended the game courtesy of the run-rule.
The Longhorns return to action at the three-day Big 12 Tournament, beginning on Friday, May 9 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Stay tuned to TexasSports.com for seeding and schedule information.
Game 2: Texas 8, Texas A&M Corpus Christi 0
The Longhorns broke a scoreless tie in the second, using a bunt single by Gaskin and an RBI double by Barnhill to take a 1-0 lead. Texas registered two more runs in the third on an RBI double by Thrasher and a wild pitch that allowed Johnson to race home after reaching on a single.
Texas pushed the advantage to four in the fourth when Cook blasted her third home run of the year to give UT a 4-0 lead. The Longhorns did the final damage in the sixth, pushing four runs across to end the game via the eight-run rule. Texas started its rally with three straight singles and used a TAMUCC error to tally its first run. A two-out double by Williams scored Cook and freshman leftfielder Amy Hooks, moving the score to 7-0. Texas posted its final run on an RBI single to left centerfield by Johnson which scored Williams and ended the game with UT ahead, 8-0.
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH Connie Clark
On what these games mean going into the post season: We looked at our RPI and felt like it was pretty good. In the most recent poll we were at 34, but A&M Corpus isn't in the top 64 in regards to RPI, so we felt like we needed to take care of business against an opponent like that. They were great wins for us, especially after the heartbreaker at A&M where I thought we played pretty well. It is a good way to finish the second third of the season and head into the last stretch.
On the offensive explosion tonight: It's a testament to the fact that they aren't a conference team, so they don't know as much about us. Also the pitching isn't quite at that level. These hitters had to make adjustments to the pitching tonight, and they continued to do that.
On Brittany's no-hitter: It was great. I was excited for her. We talked before the game about how we wanted to send Denny out on a high note because it was her last game here. I'm glad she got the `W' in game one and then we bookended it with the freshman tonight with a look at what our future is going to be like in the circle. It was kind of ironic that she finished the night with a no-hitter. I thought they complemented each other well, and it was fun to see that.
SENIOR PITCHER Meagan Denny
On her first career at bat: I haven't picked up a bat in four years so I wasn't too disappointed in myself. My parents said it looked like I had never stepped out of the box, so it was fun. You don't forget how to do it.
On pitching her last game at McCombs: I think this was probably the most embarrassing game of my life. I didn't really start off strong in the first inning as I gave up that home run. I was wondering what was going on. Then I had a horrible at-bat and then I tripped on my shoelaces. But we got the `W' tonight, and the team was hitting so well, and that is really all that matters. We were on fire as far as the sticks and defense goes. Those two wins were huge going into the post season.
On the momentum going into the post season: I think tonight was a huge momentum builder, especially with Brittany [Barnhill] throwing her first no-hitter. It was awesome, and I am so proud of her. These wins are a big confidence builder for everyone on the team as we go into the Big 12 Tournament.
FRESHMA PITCHER Brittany Barnhill
On her first no-hitter: To tell you the truth, I didn't even notice I had one going. My defense had done so well behind me all night, and that is what they are there for. I just really went into the game wanting to keep the ball low and get ground balls. I thought I used my rise ball well, changing the look a little bit and using it as a set-up pitch.
On the momentum these wins bring: I think we needed it, especially after a tough loss to Texas A&M. It was such a close game and these wins will get us going again. Putting a bunch of runs up on the board will really help our hitters' confidence going into the Big 12 Tournament.
