Softball uses seventh-inning outburst to defeat College of Charleston, 1-0

Saturday, March 17

Charleston, S.C.

2:30 p.m.

University of Texas

12-12

College of Charleston

17-11

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Texas	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	6	1
Col. of Charleston	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	2

Softball uses seventh-inning outburst to defeat College of Charleston, 1-0

03.17.2018 | Softball

Box Score

Senior pinch hitter Randel Leahy delivered a clutch seventh-inning RBI triple in the victory

CHARLESTON, S.C. – On Saturday afternoon in Charleston Invitational action at the CofC Softball Stadium, senior pinch hitter Randel Leahy came off the bench in the seventh inning to deliver a clutch RBI triple to help Texas softball (12-12) knock off College of Charleston (17-11), 1-0.

Sophomore first baseman Malory Schattle drew a key leadoff walk to open the decisive seventh frame as part of a 1-for-2 effort with a double, freshman second baseman Janae Jefferson was 2-for-4 and sophomore catcher Taylor Ellsworth continued her terrific Saturday with a 2-for-2 performance and a walk.

In the circle for the Longhorns, senior hurler Paige von Sprecken (4-5) earned the win while scattering seven hits, walking one and striking out two over a complete-game shutout.

"I just loved the reset," Texas head coach Connie Clark said. "We chatted pretty specifically yesterday about them figuring out that the bar is higher at Texas. Team 2018 needs to figure out how they're going to hit it, to be quite honest. We had them get together and kind of work it out. I really thought they showed up today with a lot narrower focus and put themselves in the moment. We were able to execute the little things, and that's what it's been about. Overall, I'm really pleased with the reset and to get wins in back-to-back games today was tremendous."

College of Charleston's offense registered a pair of singles in both the first and second innings, but couldn't string together enough off von Sprecken to break in front on the scoreboard.

Meanwhile, Texas managed base runners in each of the first three frames and got the lead-off on in both the second and third, but much like CofC, couldn't get the big hit needed to secure the advantage.

College of Charleston third baseman Taylor Dupree kicked off the bottom of the third by beating out an infield single and moved to second on a Texas throwing error. With the runner 60 feet from pay dirt, the Longhorns foiled a squeeze attempt as a missed bunt turned into a rundown between sophomore shortstop Kaitlyn Slack and Ellsworth to keep things scoreless.

Starting the top of the fourth, von Sprecken put a brief charge in the Longhorns fans in attendance with a drive to right, but the shot was tracked down at the base of the wall. An Ellsworth walk and a Schattle double down the right field line got Texas in business again with two outs, but a sharp liner to second left the duo on as UT's left stranded count expanded to five.

Jefferson kept CofC from putting the leadoff on in the bottom of the fifth with a remarkable catch. Cougar second baseman Dexlie Inman stepped to the dish and lined a shot up the middle. UT's freshman infielder dove fully extended to her right to snag the liner, while parallel to the dirt, and rob a potential single.

Cougar shortstop Kelly Sinclair got her squad off to a positive start in the bottom of the sixth with a bloop single to left. Despite the runner advancing to third on a pair of groundouts, a pop-up to short was handled by Slack as the scoreless contest continued.

Heading to the seventh in a 0-0 draw, Schattle began the decisive rally by drawing a leadoff walk. With sophomore pinch runner Kaitlyn Washington at second following a sacrifice bunt, pinch hitter Leahy came off the bench to launch a 3-2 pitch to the wall in right center for a RBI triple to grant Texas a 1-0 lead.

Faced with one final opportunity to extend or perhaps win the contest, CofC got a leadoff single to left from Sinclair, but that was all as von Sprecken retired the next three Cougars she faced to seal the win.