Texas softball came out on top Saturday afternoon in a 6-1 win and clinched its series against Kentucky.
The game was tied 1-1 early after Atwood hit an RBI single and Kentucky’s Carly Sleeman homered to center field. Texas left five players on base before it scored again in the seventh. But for five straight innings, it was all the pitchers.
Right-hander Citlaly Gutierrez started the start and was efficient throwing 51 pitches over seven innings, three strikeouts and allowing two hits. She did not allow a walk for her fifth straight game.
Right-hander Sarah Haendiges got the start for the Wildcats and could have finished the game, but was relieved for Abby Hammond who threw two pitches to end the seventh inning. Haendiges finished with three strikeouts but allowed three walks and 12 hits on 143 pitches.
In the top of the seventh, the Longhorns chipped away at Haendiges. After three straight singles to start the frame, Stewart sent a 2-0 pitch flying over the left field wall for the Longhorns win.
Shortstop Viviana Martinez flied out for the first out and Atwood took a walk to first— Adayah Wallace pinch ran.
Leighann Goode struckout and Hannah Wells’ double moved the Longhorns in scoring position. Kaiah Altmeyer was walked and since Texas cycled through the order, Jaycie Nichols returned and her infield single gave Texas an insurance run. Maloney flied out with the bases load and even with Teagan Kavan coming in to relieve Gutierrez, Kentucky’s offense didn’t have enough juice to stage a comeback against Texas.
The Longhorns and Wildcats will wrap up its series at noon Sunday in Lexington, Ky.
CORRECTION: This story and headline has been updated to reflect that Mike White can coach Sunday for Texas.