The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Texas Tech
No. 16 Softball shuts out Texas Tech, 4-0
04.06.2010 | Softball
April 6, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas -- The No. 16 Texas Softball team used a complete game shutout performance by freshman righthander Blaire Luna and tied the single-season team home run record as it downed Texas Tech, 4-0, Tuesday night at McCombs Field. The victory improved the Longhorns to 32-8 on the year and 5-0 in Big 12 play, while the Red Raiders dropped to 30-7 overall and 2-3 in conference action.
Luna (19-4) earned the victory after firing a two-hit shutout, walking one and striking out 14. Her 7.0 scoreless innings extended her career-best consecutive scoreless innings streak to 36 innings. Texas Tech starter Ashly Jacobs (11-3) was saddled with the loss after allowing three runs on four hits and walking four in 2.0 innings of work.
Texas claimed an early 1-0 edge in the second inning when senior shortstop Loryn Johnson launched a solo home run over the leftfield wall. The homer was Texas' 58th of the season, tying the single-season record that it set in 60 games last season.
The Horns tacked on three more runs in the third frame, taking advantage of back-to-back walks by sophomore first baseman Lexy Bennett and junior catcher Amy Hooks to start the inning. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt and Bennett raced home on an RBI single by Johnson. Senior designated player Tallie Thrasher drew a one-out walk following the Johnson single to load the bases.
Junior second baseman Raygan Feight hit a deep sacrifice fly to right centerfield to plate Hooks and UT moved the score to 4-0 on an RBI single by senior centerfielder Brittany Chalk.
Johnson and Chalk headlined the Texas offense on the night with two hits each, while Johnson added two RBI and two runs scored to her stat line.
Texas returns to action on Wednesday, April 7 when it travels to Texas A&M. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. Central.
POST-GAME NOTES
- Texas' win over Texas Tech improved its all-time record against the Red Raiders to 23-5 and 10-2 at home.
- Loryn Johnson's home run was the 29th of her career, moving her within four of the school record (33), set by Desiree Williams (2005-09).
- Johnson's homer was Texas' 58th longball of the year, tying the previous team single-season record set in 60 games last season.
- Blaire Luna has now thrown 36.0 consecutive scoreless innings, dating back to the second inning of her outing against Nebraska (March 28, 2010)
POST-GAME QUOTES
Head coach Connie Clark
On the game: I'm really excited about our performance tonight. I think we came out playing well in the early going. Tech made some good adjustments themselves, but I think their adjustments served as a testament to Blaire's [Luna] abilities. She is just tough to beat when she is on her game.
On the offense: I think that much credit has to be given tonight to our hitting lineup. That's why Tech had to change pitchers so soon. We had some great at-bats.
On Blaire Luna's consistency: She is strong physically. We have a lot of confidence in her abilities and we are going to use her to help the team any way she can.
On tying the team single-season home run record: It is a testament to the job (assistant coach) Corrie (Hill) has done and the recruits we are bringing in. The nice thing is that we are doing well offensively overall. We have great at-bats, we've taken many walks and the home run record is just another thing that shows how strong we are at the plate.
Senior outfielder Brittany Chalk
On going 2-for-2: It felt amazing, especially because I've had such a rough season. Being hurt for the first 20 games and then coming back has been a grind.
On her health: I'm feeling a lot better. It's great feeling healthy and ready to go during conference when my team really needs me.
On the team's progress overall: We just keep getting better. It seems like even with the games that we've dropped this year, we are able to come back out and immediately fix the errors the following game.
On the team's offense: You can rely on every player on this team to hit and score runs. It's great to be a part of a team like that.
Senior shortstop Loryn Johnson
On approaching the UT career home run mark: I'll take the home runs when I get them, but going out there and scoring for my team is my main concern.
On the changes in the lineup: I think what is really special about this team, is that we are very versatile. We have complete confidence in one another that no matter what the lineup is out on the field, we can win a ball game.
