TROY, Ala., – Texas State softball clinched the series at Troy with five late-game runs to get a 5-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

Emma Strood tossed the complete game in the circle, earning the shutout while surrendering just four hits and striking out eight batters. Aiyana Coleman was responsible for the single that scored three of the runs, while a double from Kat Zarate recorded the other 2 RBI.

How It Happened:
Harley Vestal got the first hit of the game for the Bobcats in the first inning. She wouldn't come around to score though, being stranded on first base. Emma Strood started the game in the circle, retiring the side in order in the first and recording two strikeouts for the first and third outs of the second.

Both sides were retired in order in the third with Strood recording another strikeout. Each side got a walk in the fourth but stranded the runners.

Texas State opened the scoring in the 6^th after another scoreless 5^th frame. Sydney Harvey walked as the second batter in the inning to get on base, followed up by Harley Vestal being hit by a pitch. Kat Zarate loaded the bases with a single to third base. From there, a shot off the outfield wall by Aiyana Coleman allowed Texas State to clear the bases. 

Texas State led 3-0 after the 6^th following a strikeout by Strood in the bottom half of the 6^th.

Texas State added two more insurance runs in the 7^th after a Sami Hood single and another Vestal hit by pitch. Headed to the bottom of the 7^th, Texas State held a 5-0 lead.

Despite Strood giving up two hits in the final half inning, she escaped the inning unscathed to preserve her shutout. She tallied two more strikeouts in the final inning to end the game with eight in the game.

After today's win, Texas State is now 27-16 on the season and improve to 8-6 in Sun Belt play.

Up Next:
Texas State will close out the series with the Trojans tomorrow, April 12, at 11 a.m.. That game will be streamed on ESPN+. The team's next home game will be April 15 at 6 pm against #1 Texas Tech which is sold out, but fans can tune in on ESPN+.