Senior pitcher Donna Bourgeois earned her 10th win of the season over the HBU Huskies Tuesday at Cougar Field. She struck out nine batters, and allowed one walk. | Jack Wehman/The Daily Cougar
The Cougars impatiently swung at pitches through the first four innings, grounding or striking out and stranding runners on base.
A golden opportunity presented itself in the bottom of the fifth inning when the bases were loaded. Third baseman Holly Anderson was diligent with her at-bat and drilled a double to center field, bringing in the Cougars’ first three runs.
UH would go on to shut out Houston Baptist 6-0 Tuesday at Cougar Field to win its seventh straight contest. The Cougars are now winners of nine of their last 10 games.
Senior pitcher Donna Bourgeois (10-6) was the starter, and earned the win, throwing for five scoreless innings. She faced 21 batters and struck out nine of them, along with allowing four hits and one base on balls.
Bourgeois encountered a high-pressure situation in the top of the third inning. After striking out HBU pitcher Jammie Weidert, the scoreless tie was in jeopardy of being broken in the Huskies’ favor.
Third baseman Holly Webb drew a walk, and left fielder Rebecca Rademacher reached first base on an error, advancing Webb to second. Daniella Rodarte hit a sacrifice bunt for the second out, putting Webb on third and Rademacher on second.
Shortstop Mollye Mlcak approached the plate with two outs on the board, and a chance to give the Huskies the lead. Bourgeois struck her out, getting out of the jam and averting the potential crisis.
Bourgeois took a seat in the top of the sixth inning, and was relieved by senior Amanda Crabtree.
In two innings of work, Crabtree struck out five and earned her first save of the season.
The Cougars added onto their advantage in the bottom of the sixth frame when catcher Melissa Gregson singled to left field. Next up was shortstop Brooke Lathan. She added some insurance runs, blasting a two-run home run, her eighth of the season.
The Cougars (25-13, 8-4 Conference USA) scored a sixth run, one shy of run-ruling the Huskies. Second baseman Jennifer Klinkert scored an unearned run from an error.
UH will resume conference play this weekend when it faces UTEP for a three-game set starting with a double-header at 2 p.m. Saturday.
