Texas State falls to Texas A&M in pitcher's duel

Pitcher Jessica Mullins winds up to deliver the pitch for the Bobcats game against Texas A&M. Mullins allowed just two hits in Texas State's 1-0 loss to Texas A&M. Photo submitted by Peter Vives

Texas State fell to Texas A&M 1-0 in a pitcher’s duel between two of the best pitchers in the nation.

The Bobcats and Head Coach Ricci Woodard will play later tonight in the elimination game.

“We talked about how one pitch can change a ballgame,” Woodard said. “I don’t feel that one pitch changes a game but one inning did. Mullins threw her tail end off and we just didn’t get anything to come through. We had some base running mistakes by a couple of young players but other than that it was a great game.”

Starting pitcher Jessica Mullins threw a complete game allowing just two hits and one earned run for the Bobcats while striking out three batters.

“I trusted my defense and the hitters behind me to make some timely hits,” Mullins said. “Ultimately it didn’t go our way. I know they are going to have my back and I [will] bet on this team anyday.”

Texas A&M scored the only run of the game in the first inning. With runners on first and second, A&M first baseman Trinity Cannon hit a RBI single for the score.

Texas State had a chance to score in the first inning with a runner on first. Third baseman Sara Vanderford hit a one-out double into left field but a freeze up on the baserunner allowed the Aggies to get the second out at third base. After the out, the Aggies were able to strand Vanderford at second to keep the Bobcats off the scoreboard.

Texas State will play the winner of Penn State-Albany tonight at 7 p.m.