SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State right-handed pitcher Meagan King did everything right during her time in the pitching circle Saturday afternoon, but South Alabama did just one thing in the top of the seventh that spoiled the senior's day as the Jaguars knocked off the Bobcats 1-0. 

King, who limited the Texas A&M offense earlier in the week, did the same to South Alabama (20-12, 8-4) for the game's first 6.1 innings as she struck out nine batters — the most for the Barbers Hill product in a Sun Belt game and two shy of her career high — and issued only one walk while the Jaguars failed to score a run with her in the pitching circle. 

"Our pitching staff is doing a good enough job to keep us in the ball game," said Texas State softball head coach Ricci Woodard. "I thought Meagan threw the ball really well today. She did exactly what we needed her to do. We just have to be able to close that game out for her."

King (7-2) was lifted in the top of the seventh after allowing a one-out single to left field. Dalilah Barrera entered from the bullpen and South Alabama responded with a second-straight single, before a fielder's choice put runners at the corners with two outs. 

The next Jaguar batter was hit by a pitch, then a 10-pitch at bat to Abby Krzywiecki ended with a two-out, bases-loaded walk to score the game's only run as Tori McCann entered the circle and struck out the only batter she faced to end the USA seventh. 

Against South Alabama's freshman Olivia Lackie (12-6), the Texas State offense put at least one runner on base in every inning except the fifth. The Bobcats also drew five walks against Lackie, which were the most she's issued to a Sun Belt team this season and matched her season high outright as Georgia drew five in the Jaguars' season-opening game. 

Despite having only two hits on the afternoon — a Kylie George single to start the bottom of the sixth and a Cat Crenek single to start the bottom of the seventh — the Bobcats had a runner in scoring position in the first inning — a Hannah Earls inning-opening walk then a stolen base — the fourth inning — Sara Vanderford reached via catcher's inference, then Molly Damiani, who pinch ran, moved to second a sacrifice bunt — the sixth inning — a two-out walk to Tara Oltmann moved Earls, who reached via a fielder's choice, to second — and the seventh inning — Crenek advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Caitlyn Rogers — but nothing blossomed. 

Texas State (25-5, 8-2) will look to rebound on Sunday, April 11 when the two teams conclude the three-game series at 12 p.m.