Behind a complete-game effort from junior pitcher Madison Azua and a late offensive surge, the Texas State Bobcats (23-15, 5-5 SBC) opened its weekend series with a 5-1 win over the South Alabama Jaguars (23-15, 7-3 SBC) on Thursday night at Jaguar Field in Mobile, Ala.
Junior pitcher Madison Azua tossed her 12th complete game of the season to open the weekend series, earning her 16th win in an effort that included eight strikeouts on four hits while giving up three walks and one unearned run.
The game initially began as a pitcher’s duel, as both lineups struggled to find rhythm. South Alabama threatened in the bottom of the first, placing two runners on after a double and single, but Azua worked out of the jam to keep the game scoreless.
Texas State found a spark in the second when junior outfielder Harley Vestal singled to left, though the Bobcats were unable to capitalize as Jaguar freshman pitcher Olivia Harrison settled in.
Defense highlighted the early innings for Texas State, including a standout play from Vestal in left field, where the junior robbed a potential hit to keep momentum neutral through two innings.
The Bobcats broke through in the third, setting the tone early against one of the Sun Belt’s top teams as sophomore infielder Kat Zarate led off with a double, followed by a hit-by-pitch to junior catcher Sami Hood.
Texas State capitalized on defensive miscues, as an error allowed Zarate to score. Senior outfielder Keely Williams added an RBI to push the lead to 2-0.
Azua continued to control the circle, holding South Alabama scoreless through four innings despite the Jaguars placing at least one runner on base in each frame.
South Alabama finally broke through in the fifth when sophomore outfielder Presley Lively delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Texas State responded in the sixth as senior first basemen Aiyana Coleman launched a solo home run to center field, extending the lead to 3-1. The Bobcats added insurance in the seventh as Williams delivered again with a two-run double to left center, extending the lead to 5-1.
Texas State will look to carry its strong performance into the rest of the weekend series, seeking to win its first conference series since the March 13-15 series against Louisiana-Monroe.
The Bobcats and Jaguars continue the series at 6 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Jaguar Field in Mobile, Ala. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
