SAN MARCOS, Texas – A three RBI double in the second by Ariel Ortiz carried the Texas State softball team to a 4-3 victory over former Southland Conference foe McNeese State Wednesday evening. The victory marked the 20^th win of the season for the Bobcats as they improve to 20-13 overall.
 
Ortiz proved to be perfect on the evening as she drew walks in her other two at bats. Her double was the 15^th one this season which is not only a team-high, but a conference-high as well.
 
Four runs in the bottom of the second would be the only time in the game that Texas State would put runs on the board. After a pair of walks to lead off the inning, Braegan Hamilton notched first Bobcat hit and first run of the day with a blooper to right field, scoring Katie Doerre.
 
The inning continued for Texas State when Kelli Baker got hit for the second time of the day to load the bases for Ortiz. Ortiz then rocketed a double to score all three of the base runners and to take a 4-0 lead over McNeese.
 
The Cowgirls waited just an inning before their push to chip away at the Texas State lead. In the top of the fourth, McNeese hit a solo shot to make it a 4-1 game.
 
Just two innings later the Cowgirls struck again with another home run, this time a two-run shot to left center field. The home run then made it just a one run Bobcat lead.
 
Texas State was able to hold out in the seventh to pull away with the win. Randi Rupp earned her 14^th victory of the season while fanning three. Hamilton finished the day with a 2-for-3 effort at the plate and the Bobcats finished with seven total hits.
 
Texas State will continue play at home this weekend with a conference series against UL Lafayette. First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for 1 p.m. with game two to follow shortly after the conclusion of game one. Live stats, live audio and live video will be available at www.txstatebobcats.com for fans unable to be in attendance.