The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Texas Southern
Bruins fires no-hitter to lead No. 13 Softball past Texas Southern, 8-0
03.04.2010 | Softball
March 4, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas -- Freshman righthander Kim Bruins tossed her first career no-hitter as the 13th-ranked Texas Softball team downed Texas Southern, 8-0, Thursday night in a run-rule shortened game. The victory improved the Longhorns to 15-2 on the year, while the Tigers dropped to 2-7 overall.
Bruins (5-1) fired her first complete game shutout, throwing 5.0 innings, striking out three, walking none and allowing only one baserunner on a hit-by-pitch. Texas Southern starter Ashley Ramirez (1-3) was saddled with the loss after throwing 2.1 innings and surrendering three runs on four hits.
Texas kicked off the scoring in the second, using a leadoff walk by sophomore third baseman Nadia Taylor to start the frame and an RBI triple by freshman rightfielder Taylor Hoagland to bring home Taylor. An RBI groundout by senior designated player Tallie Thrasher plated Hoagland to put the Horns ahead, 2-0.
The Longhorns pushed another run across in the third on a RBI single by senior shortstop Loryn Johnson, scoring sophomore centerfielder Courtney Craig. Texas widened the margin to four in the fourth, taking advantage of a one-out triple by Thrasher to start the rally and a RBI groundout by Bruins that brought Thrasher home.
Texas added its final four tallies in the fifth, starting the rally with a leadoff pinch-hit home run by junior Shelby Savony. Johnson followed with a walk and advanced to second on a single by junior catcher Amy Hooks. Taylor drew a walk to load the bases before a two-run double by Thrasher widened the UT edge to 7-0. After moving to third on the double, Taylor raced home on a Texas Southern wild pitch to end the game, 8-0.
Thrasher and Johnson headlined the offense on the night with two hits apiece, while Thrasher registered three RBI and one run scored. Johnson walked in her only other plate appearance, scored a run and notched one RBI.
Texas returns to action on Saturday, March 6 when it takes on Illinois State at the Tennessee Classic in Knoxville. First pitch is slated for 12:30 p.m. Central.
POST-GAME QUOTES
Head coach Connie Clark
On Kim's first no-hitter: I'm really excited for her. She had a rough outing last week, especially compared to the weekend before. But we had two practice days this week, she applied some things we worked on from that, and it really showed tonight.
On Tallie Thrasher's performance: I think she is real motivated. She had a tremendous first two years, and was a little off last year. This year she is a senior with her mind set on wanting to play pro ball, and she is making the most of every opportunity she gets, by leaving it all out there on the field for us.
On the mindset for the weekend: I'm pleased with the confidence that we are taking into the weekend. That is very important for the success of our team, especially when we take a look a Kim's performance tonight. We got production across the board from the team. We were able to apply things we worked on in practice, and I think we are ready for the weekend.
Senior designated player Tallie Thrasher
On starting at designated player: I've really just embraced the role. It is something that I am used to doing. Being a pinch-hitter for 14 at-bats was a little more than usual, but I think I handled it well. I enjoyed getting a few more at bats.
On being back at home: We are very happy to be back at home tonight. It makes a big difference in our play.
On the mindset for the weekend: We are looking to keep things going. We had a lot of things to improve on in practice and I think tonight we showed that we fixed those problems, and we are ready for the weekend.
Freshman pitcher Kim Bruins
On playing back at home: Austin is home and so it just adds a level of a comfort to know we are playing on our field .
On her first no-hitter: It was very exciting. I came off of a very tough week in California, so it was good to have earned this. Coach Clark and I worked hard in the bullpen trying to get my confidence up, and it really paid off.
On the upcoming game against Tennessee: I'm very excited because we have never played them before. It will be a really good challenge for us.
