The Texas Longhorns softball team once again in this postseason faced elimination and once again survived to play another day. The Longhorns got a pitching gem from ace Teagan Kavan to down Mississippi State 4-0 in the Women’s College World Series.
Kavan, who has struggled at times in the postseason, including in the loss to Tennessee on Thursday, looked more like herself against the Bulldogs. Last year’s WCWS MVP threw a four-hit shutout and was dominant at times. The Bulldogs failed to score a run in their two WCWS games.
Kavan had a little wobble in the bottom of the seventh after putting the first two batters in the inning on base, but worked out of the jam to get the complete game shutout, finishing with a strikeout.
At the plate, Texas got home runs from outfielders Ashton Maloney and Kayden Henry to give UT a 3-0 lead through five innings. Viviana Martinez hit a double in the top of the seventh to plate Katie Stewart for the Longhorns fourth run.
This is the third time Texas has survived an elimination game in the postseason. UT faced elimination two games in the Super Regional win over Arizona State.
The Longhorns will next play on Sunday. The time and opponent are TBD.
FINAL: Texas 4, Mississippi State 0
Kavan in a jam in the bottom of the 7th
After breezing through most of the game, Texas ace Teagan Kavan looks shaky in the bottom of the seventh. Last year’s WCWS MVP has put the first two runners of the inning on first and second.
Double scores Stewart
A Viviana Martinez double to center scored Katie Stewart from first base. The play at the plate was reviewed and confirmed by instant replay.
Goode flashes some leather
Second baseman Leighann Goode showed off her defense in the bottom of the sixth, snatching a line drive from Rivera. Kavan throws another perfect inning and the Bulldogs are down to their final three outs.
UT loads bases, but doesn’t score
The Longhorns had the bases loaded with two outs, but Kaydee Bennett grounded out to second for the force out.
Kavan goes 1-2-3 again
UT’s ace had another perfect inning against the Bulldogs. Kavan definitely looks more like her dominant self tonight.
Henry Homers to Right
Kayden Henry shot a liner to right field that just stayed on the fare side of the foul pole. The solo shot extends the Texas lead to 3-0.
Scoreless fourth inning
Texas went down in order in the top of the frame. The Bulldogs got a baserunner on first, but no more.
Kavan on a roll
The Texas ace has retired seven Bulldog batters in a row and looks to be in a really good groove right now.
Horns waste runners in scoring position
UT had Kayden Henry and Katie Stewart on second and third with one out, but couldn’t cash them in to pad the lead.
Kavan perfect in second inning
Teagan Kavan blew through the Bulldogs in the second, forcing two ground outs and a fly out.
Altmeyer homer gives Texas lead
Texas strikes first with a two-run homer from Kaiah Altmeyer to right field off of Bulldogs pitcher Delainey Everett.
Mississippi State strands runner
Mississippi State misses a golden opportunity to take an early lead, with a Xiane Romero double to left field with two outs. Kinley Keller poped up to right field to kill the Bulldogs rally.
Texas held scoreless in top of first inning
Texas’ first trip to the plate doesn’t produce a run. UT got a runner on base via a walk, but weren’t able to get them home.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: RAPID RECAP: Kavan dominant as Texas survives WCWS elimination game
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
