Bulldogs Fall 2-0 To #5 Texas In NCAA Regional Final
May 25, 2016 | Softball
Mississippi State Concludes 2005 Campaign With 35-31 Record
AUSTIN, Texas -- Jacqueline Williams' two-run double with two outs in the top of the fourth inning plated Lacy Robinson and Wynter Turner with the game's only runs as fifth-ranked Texas fought off second-seeded Mississippi State with a 2-0 victory in the championship game of the NCAA Austin Regional at McCombs Field on the campus of the University of Texas.
The win marked the third loss for Mississippi State against Texas (45-11) lefthander and Olympic gold medalist Cat Osterman in as many games and concluded the 2005 season for the Bulldogs at 35 wins against 31 losses. State also fell for the second consecutive day to the fourth overall seeded Longhorns who advanced to NCAA Super Regional play against Bethune Cookman next weekend at home.
Junior Callye Williams (1-for-3) managed State's only hit of the day against the intimidating lefthander, with the Bulldogs also managing two other baserunners by virtue of Osterman beaning Tanelda McDonald and delivering a full-count walk to Lindsay Hunley.
The baserunners were the first in two days for the Maroon and White who fell victim to Osterman's seventh career perfect game in a winner's bracket game on Saturday. Williams and Chez Sievers both turned in 2-for-3 hitting lines to pace the Longhorns.
Making just her second start of the 2005 season, rookie righthander Ragan Blake (4-3) held her own against the Big 12 champions, striking out four and scattering five hits in four innings of work before giving way to Kelli Miller in the fifth. Miller allowed just two hits over the final three innings of play, but got the no decision for MSU. Osterman (27-6) struck out 11 and allowed two free passes en route to a one-hit shutout,
"I was really proud of the way our players competed today," said Mississippi State head coach Jay Miller. "We gave ourselves better opportunities today but, when you're playing against Cat (Osterman), you have to make the most of the opportunities that you get. I thought we hit the ball harder and put the ball in play more, but they made some great plays out there and that's what this game is all about. Ragan Blake gave us quality innings and kept us in the ballgame.
"I felt really good about the way we competed today. We take our hats off to Texas. They came in and did the job, and we wish them the best of luck next weekend."
State put together the first genuine scoring chance for either side in the second when it put McDonald and Williams aboard in the first two at-bats of the frame, but Osterman settled down, striking out the next two Bulldogs before inducing Michelle Kinney to groundout to shortstop. Texas got its first two hitters on in the fourth, but Ragan retired the next two Longhorns in order to appear to get out of the jam. However, Williams hammered Blake's 1-and-1 offering to the gap in left field to clear the base paths.
The Bulldogs put its third runner of the contest aboard on Hunley's walk with two outs in the seventh, but Osterman struck out Courtney Bures to end the game.
#5 TEXAS 2, MISSISSIPPI STATE 0
Texas (45-11) 000 200 0 - 2 7 0Mississippi State (35-31) 000 000 0 - 0 1 1Osterman and Willis. Blake, Miller (5) and Geddings. W * Osterman (27-6). L * Blake (4-3). Save * None.
