Softball

Cougars get hit by the Horns

Mellisa Gregson (25) had a strong game at the plate, going 2-3 with two runs, but UH could not match the Longhorns on Wednesday. | Joshua Siegel/The Daily Cougar

The Texas Longhorns powered by the Cougars (18-14, 7-2 Conference USA) in front of a record crowd at Cougar Softball Stadium on Wednesday.

The No. 6 Longhorns slugged a season-high four home runs in front of the 1,785 fans in attendance to win 15-4 in five innings for the sixth annual Striking Out Breast Cancer Game. Sophomores Karina Scott and Mandy Ogle each hit grand slams.

The Horns jumped on the Cougars early, scoring eight runs in the first.  The first seven batters reached base against UH starter Bailey Watts.

Diedre Outon threw four scoreless innings before surrendering five runs in the fifth. | Joshua Siegel/The Daily Cougar

Their offense proved to be too much for the Cougars pitching staff, scoring seven more runs in the fifth inning.

Leadoff-hitter Taylor Hoagland hit her second home run of the night and Ogle added to the scoreboard with her grand slam off of freshman pitcher Ty’ara Law in the fifth.

“Offensively, that is the best team we have played all year,” head coach Kyla Holas said.

The Longhorns totaled 15 hits and only struck out once.

The Cougars didn’t give up despite the large deficit, scoring three runs in the first and cutting the score to 8-4 with a run in the fourth.

Catcher Haley Outon knocked in three runs on her ninth home run of the season. She finished 2-3 with three RBI and a run scored.

Texas’ pitchers Gabby Smith and Blaire Luna shut down the Cougars offense after that. They gave up only four hits and two unearned runs.

Left fielder Melissa Gregson provided the other two hits for the Cougars.

Despite the loss, Holas is looking forward to getting back to conference play.

The Cougars will face UAB, the first place team in C-USA.

“We can be mad tonight after the loss, but when we wake up tomorrow it is all about UAB,” Holas said, “That has to be our focus.”

UH travels to Birmingham, Ala. for a three-game series against UAB (19-11, 6-0) on Saturday and Sunday.

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