SAN MARCOS, Texas – Using an early offensive attack, the Texas State baseball team beat Houston, 6-1, Friday night at Bobcat Ballpark. The Bobcats pounded out 10 hits on the night and held the Cougars scoreless for the final seven innings en route to the series opening victory.

Kyle Finnegan turned in his second straight impressive performance, earning his first victory of the season. He struck out nine batters in 5.0 innings of work. Finnegan struck out at least one batter in every inning and at least two batters in three innings. He retired six of his last eight hitters he faced, including three via the strikeout.

The Bobcat offense supported Finnegan, as they jumped on the Cougars from the start. After J.D. Stinnett reached second, Cody Lovejoy doubled down the left field line to bring the first run home. Two batters later the team had runners at first and third when Lovejoy was part of a double steal and was able to slide just past the outstretched glove of the Houston catcher, to make it 2-0 after one inning.

Texas State continued its offensive onslaught in the second inning to chase Houston Starter Matt Hernandez after just 1.1 innings. The Bobcats pounded out three singles in the second along with two walks and were aided by a Cougar fielding error as Texas State took a 5-1 lead.

The Bobcats added their final run of the night in fifth when Austin O'Neal led off with a double to left. He came around to score on a single later in the inning by Tyler Pearson for Pearson's first career RBI.
 

Cody Lovejoy led the Bobcat attack going 3-for-4. He used his speed to steal two bases on the night and beat out a bunt along the third baseline for an infield single.

The Bobcats will play game two of the series on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Taylor Black will be on the mound for the home team.