SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State softball team (18-7, 2-0 SBC) defeated Incarnate Word (3-12) in a mid-week matinee, 6-3, at Bobcat Softball Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

"Our bats came through when we needed them to today," head coach Ricci Woodard said. "The middle of our lineup has been highly effective all season. Today, Tara and Bailee delivered some timely hitting for us to get on the scoreboard."

The offense struck quickly, putting two runs on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Jaclyn Molenaar led the inning off with a single to second base, but was called out on a fielder's choice play off the bat of Christiana McDowell. On the first pitch of Hailey MacKay's at-bat, McDowell took off to swipe second base cleanly. MacKay would walk. Tara Oltmann roped a double into right field that scored both McDowell and MacKay.

In the third inning, the Cats struck for two more runs. Walks from MacKay and Ariel Ortiz gave Texas State two runners on without registering a hit. Oltmann drilled another line drive into right field, loading the bases for Bailee Carter. The third baseman singled through the right side to score MacKay. A throwing error on the play allowed each runner to advance, scoring Ortiz.

The middle of the lineup tacked on two insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. MacKay doubled to deep right field to lead off the inning. Ortiz followed with a sharply hit ball towards the shortstop and legged out an infield single. Carter scorched the first pitch see saw to left center field, plating both runners to extend the Bobcat lead to 6-3.

All three Cardinal runs came via the home run ball. UIW scored a run in the second on a solo shot that inched over the left field wall. In the fourth inning, the Cardinals pieced together two runs on an infield single and a line-drive home run over the left field wall.

Krista Jacobs started the game in the circle for the Bobcats. Her outing lasted 3.1 innings, surrendering three runs on four hits. Meagan King entered the game in the fourth inning and pitched one-hit softball for the remaining 3.2 innings of play. King, a freshman, earned her first collegiate win, striking out four batters while only allowing a pair of base runners.

Next up, Texas State will travel to Waco, Texas for a Wednesday evening clash with No. 11 Baylor. First pitch is schedule for 6 p.m. The Cats will be back in town for a trio of games in the first of five conference home series. Texas State will take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers twice on Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and once on Sunday, noon.

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