AUSTIN TX — Despite scoring a first inning run four batters into the game, the Texas State softball program were unable to capitalize on the momentum as Texas, the 23rd-ranked team in the nation, came from behind to win, 5-2, Monday evening. 

Bobcat leadoff batter Piper Randolph immediately put pressure on the Longhorn defense when she reached on a fielding error to begin the contest. She worked her way to second, before scoring on a single back up the middle off the bat of Anna Jones. Jones advanced to third on a wild pitch to Caitlyn Rogers, who eventually drew a five-pitch walk to put runners on the corners with two away. 

But neither Jones nor Rogers were able to extend the Texas State lead. 

In the bottom half of the first, Texas (9-7) re-took the lead, though, with three unearned runs on just one hit. 

When the top of the Texas State lineup rolled back around to start the top of the third, Randolph, again, reached base with an infield single. She eventually worked her way to third, before scoring on a Sara Vanderford ground out. The scoring opportunity appeared to be just getting started as Jones earned a two-out walk and Rogers followed followed with a single, but Jones was thrown out trying to go first to third on the base hit. 

Texas State starting pitcher Jessica Mullins (3-3) continued to show her dominance in the circle as she went on a stretch of striking out six of nine batters she faced during the middle innings of the contest. 

However, a throwing error allowed a fourth unearned run to score for the Longhorns as part of a two-run, two-hit bottom of the fifth for Texas. 

The Bobcats attempted to rally with back-to-back one-out singles from Claire Ginder and Hannah Earls in the sixth inning, but a fielder's choice and a strikeout halt the momentum. 

Even down to their final plate appearances, the Texas State offense continued to fight in the top of the seventh. Vanderford drew a one-out on four-straight pitches, before advancing to second on a ground out. Rogers reached base, again, on a second Longhorn fielding error, and moved to second on a wild pitch.

However, with the game-tying run at the plate, a flyout to left field brought the conclusion of Texas State's stay at the Texas Classic. 

UP NEXT

Texas State (6-5) will return to the friendly confines of Bobcat Stadium next time out when the Bobcats host Texas A&M – Corpus Christi on Wednesday, March 2 at 5 p.m. CT. 

For the latest information on the team, follow @TXStateSoftball on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. General athletic news can also be at @TxStateBobcats on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.