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University of Houston Athletics
Houston Opens Season With Win Over No. 14 Ohio State
2/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 12, 2010
The University of Houston softball team opened up its season with a 1-0 win over No. 14 Ohio State at the Marriott Houston Hobby Classic Friday night.
The lone run came in the bottom of the third inning when freshman pitcher Bailey Watts helped her own cause by drawing a leadoff walk. After junior Katie Beth Sherman drove a single to right advancing Watts to second before Ashleigh Jones' fielder's choice led to Watts being out at third. Sophomore Melissa Gregson delivered what would be the decisive hit as she singled to drive in Sherman.
Watts dominated the Ohio State lineup, scattering three hits over seven innings of work. Watts retired nine of the first 11 batters she faced, fanning five. Only one hit was mustered from the opposition during the final four innings as Watts racked up nine strikeouts en route to her first win.
Sherman was thrown out at home but was awarded the run because the Buckeyes catcher obstructed her from sliding into the plate thus breaking scoreless game.
The Buckeyes threatened in the fifth inning when the leadoff batter delivered a shot to right field but junior Angela Spittler was there to rob the batter of a surefire single. The inning continued the treacherous path as Watts gave up a single, a stolen base and then a walk. With runners on first and third and Houston protecting a 1-0 lead, Watts reached back and bailed herself out of the jam with her eighth strikeout of the game.
Houston threatened in the bottom half of the fifth after Sherman reached base with a walk and freshman Ashleigh Jones hit a single. With two runners in scoring position and only one out, Houston was poised to break the game open but an Ohio State pitching staff stifled the attempt. The new hurler struck out the next two batters and the game would remain a close affair.
Unable to add any insurance runs, Houston would have to rely on Watt's arm and the Houston defense to preserve the lead for the final two frames. After a fly out and a strikeout, Watts lost an Ohio State batter to an inside pitch on a full count with two outs. But the added anticipation was all for naught as Watts regained her composure and had the final batter of the game line out to give the Cougars their first victory of the year.
NEXT UP The Cougars return to action Saturday when they square off against Louisville at 5 p.m. and Kansas at 7 p.m.
NOTES -Katie Beth Sherman reached base all three times, going 1-1, two walks and a run -Melissa Gregson 1-3 1 RBI -Bailey Watts won her first career start
