SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State softball team (2-1) earned a mercy rule victory over the North Dakota State Bison (2-1), defeating the visitors by a score of 9-1 in five innings on Sunday night at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

Junior infielder Hailey MacKay led the Bobcat offense with a 2-for-3 effort at the dish. She tallied a team-best three RBI. Freshman designated player Molly Damiani and junior outfielder Christiana McDowell each collected two hits and combined to score three runs.

Junior pitcher Dalilah Barrera (2-0) did not allow her first hit until a solo home run with one out in the top of the fifth inning. She went the full five 5.0 innings and allowed just two hits, one earned run and a walk, while striking out a season-high eight batters.

Sophomore designated player Cara Beatty provided the lone bright spot for the Bison offense after smacking a solo home run to deep center field in the top of the fifth inning.

Senior pitcher KK Leddy (2-1), who earned the decision in the dramatic walk-off victory in NDSU's first game of the evening, was shelled by the Bobcats. She lasted 4.0+ innings and was credited with eight hits and nine earned runs.

Texas State wasted little time finding an offensive rhythm. Senior outfielder Mari Cranek led off the home half of the first inning with a four-pitch walk. Damiani laid down a bunt towards the third baseman and outran the errant throw as both runners advanced a base. Sophomore shortstop Tara Oltmann reached via a fielder's choice to second as the Bison defense cut down Cranek at home. With runners on second and third, MacKay ripped a single up the middle to plate both Damiani and Oltmann.

After surrendering the fifth inning run, Texas State rebounded to hang seven runs in the bottom half of the frame. Speed dominated the start of the inning as McDowell beat out an infield single and reached third base on a bunt single from Cranek. Damiani reached on a third-straight Bobcat infield single to load the bases. Oltmann and MacKay drove in back-to-back runs on singles through the left side of the Bison infield. The Bobcats led 4-1.

Sophomore infielder ArieAnn Bell drew a walk on a nine-pitch at-bat to drive in the inning's third run. As a pinch hitter, freshman Caitlyn Rogers reached first base on a fielder's choice play to short. Oltmann darted home to beat the throw from the middle infield to continue the scoring streak. Junior catcher Haleigh Davis roped a single back through the middle to plate two more runs. The game ended when McDowell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The run made the game 9-1 in the bottom of the fifth enacting the run rule victory for the Bobcats.

Up next, the Bobcats will close out the 2019 Bobcat Classic on Feb. 11 with a second game against North Dakota State. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

For all things Texas State softball, be sure to follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.