It is do or die for the Texas Longhorns softball team. UT is hoping to defend its national title at this year’s Women’s College World Series. The Horns lost the WCWS opener to Tennessee and must win tonight to continue on in Oklahoma City.
Texas ace pitcher Teagan Kavan takes the mound against the Bulldogs. Last year, Kavan was the WCWS MVP. This postseason, Kavan has struggled. She lost a game in the Super Regional to Arizona State and got the loss against the Vols on Thursday.
7th Inning: Texas 4, Mississippi State 0
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: LIVE UPDATES: Texas faces Mississippi State in WCWS elimination game
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
