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Huntsville, Texas – No. 23 Texas State dropped the series finale to Sam Houston State, 5-2, on Sunday afternoon in Huntsville. The Bearkats recorded the series sweep at Sanders Stadium marking the first time since 1989 that Sam Houston State swept Texas State in a three-game series.
Texas State (14-9) fell to 4-5 in the Southland Conference with the loss, resulting in the team's first losing record in conference since the team started 0-1 in the SLC in 2006. The sweep was also the first time that the Bobcats have been swept in conference since 2008 when the team dropped a three-game set to Stephen F. Austin.
The victory for Sam Houston State (14-9) keeps the Bearkats atop the Southland Conference standings with a 7-2 record in the league.
Sam Houston State's offense, which entered the series with a team batting average near .300, began the game strong against Texas State starter Kyle Finnegan. The Bearkats tallied a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning to take the early lead before notching three more runs in the fourth inning to take a 5-0 advantage.
The Texas State offense was stymied for much of the afternoon by Sam Houston State starter Caleb Smith, who allowed just five Bobcat hits for the game. Smith improved to 3-2 on the season with the win.
The Bobcats were able to finally get the bats going in the eighth inning to chase Smith from the game. Pinch hitter Isaac Nuti doubled and Tyler Sibley followed with his 44th career double to bring home the first run of the game for Texas State. Ben McElroy then came up and made it three consecutive Bobcat doubles as he roped a line drive over the head of the right fielder to bring home Sibley for a 5-2 score.
Texas State threatened for more in the eighth inning with runners on the corners and two outs, but Andrew Stumph flied out deep to left-center field for the final out of the game
Finnegan (4-1) tossed seven innings for the Bobcats, allowing five runs on the afternoon as he suffered his first loss of the season. The sophomore struck out eight batters and did now allow a walk for the game.
The Bobcats have Monday off before returning to action on Tuesday and Wednesday when the Oregon Ducks come to Bobcat Ballpark for a two-game set. The two teams will play on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday at noon. Tickets for both games can be purchased at www.TxStateBobcats.com/tickets or by calling 512-245-2272.
