BEAUMONT, Texas – Reagan Smith pitched her second complete game shutout of the season as Lamar University did its damage offensively to run-rule Texas State, 8-0, in five innings Wednesday evening at the LU Softball Complex. This marks the first victory for the Cardinals over Texas State in the history between the two programs.
 
Although Smith walked seven batters, she only allowed two hits while striking out three. Gracee Hess ignited the Cardinals with two hits, including one of three LU doubles and was one of five players with an RBI.
 
Smith got into early trouble by loading the bases with nobody out, but Hess bailed out her pitcher by starting a 5-2-3 double play and snagging a line drive to end the frame. That led to an offensive breakout for LU as it scored five runs in its first two innings on RBI singles from Cala Wilson and Isabella Flores plus RBI doubles from Riley Whitley and Ariel Flores.
 
The Bobcats got their first hit in the top of the third, but stranded two. Once again, the Cardinals plated three runs as Kinlee McGuire scored on a wild pitch while Hess singled to right and Kamaryn Radford scored on an error. Texas State's last chance to score came in the fourth as it loaded the bases. Isabella caught a line drive to get LU out of the inning and hold on to the run-rule shutout in the fifth.
 
The Cardinals will hit the road to Commerce Friday to meet with East Texas A&M. Friday's doubleheader will begin at 5 p.m. while Saturday sees the final game beginning at noon. All games will be streamed on ESPN+.
 

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