SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA Softball team (6-22) will host the Texas State Bobcats (18-11-1) in midweek action on Wednesday, March 22, bringing the Battle of I-35 to Roadrunner Field. This is the second meeting for the year between the Roadrunners and Bobcats and Wednesday night's game will be streamed via CUSA.tv with a 6:00 p.m. first pitch.
About UTSA
UTSA is looking to snap a five-game skid after a series sweep at the hands of North Texas in Denton. UTSA came out strong against the defending Conference USA tournament champions in the opener, but the Mean Green caused problems for the Roadrunner pitching staff in the final two series games.
UTSA averages 7.04 hits per game for a 4.39-run average and .260 hitting up against some very capable pitching units throughout the non-conference and early conference schedule. The Roadrunners lead C-USA and rank second nationally in walks drawn (126), averaging 4.5 free rides per outing. For their .367 on-base percentage, UTSA ranks 91st in the NCAA. For doubles, the Roadrunners have notched 39 two-baggers and are 45th nationally in the stat (third in C-USA) with 1.39 per game.
Shortstop Kat Ibarra has been a constant for the Roadrunners all season – no wonder that she was named to the Preseason All-Conference USA team after a first-team bid last year. Ibarra is hitting .358 and leading the team in hits (34), triples (2), stolen bases (6) and shares the team lead in runs (20) with freshman right fielder Lilly Hood. Ibarra also tops UTSA and is 77th nationally with 0.32 doubles per game on a nine-double total this season.
Sophomore designated player Emily Dear is moving up the hit charts while boosting her appearances over the past two weeks, batting .353. Meanwhile junior transfer Taylor Jensen is hitting .325 in appearances at first base and catcher, hitting three (3) home runs and three (3) doubles for 13 RBI and nine (9) runs. Senior utility Marena Estell has a team-best 17 RBI and 10 runs on a .303 average.
Series vs. Texas State
Wednesday will mark the 92nd meeting between these teams, with TXST leading 51-40 following the Bobcats razor-thin victory in San Marcos this season. TXST has claimed the win in each of the last seven meetings and the last three in San Antonio. UTSA last defeated Texas State at home in April 2014. When the Roadrunners and Bobcats met to open up the TXST Classic on Feb. 23 of this season, the Bobcats managed to cling to a 1-0 lead from the first inning to the final pitch in an out-and-out pitcher's duel in San Marcos.
About the Texas State Bobcats
The Bobcats have gone five straight games without a win, tying Troy in the series finale on Sunday after dropping the first two games of the Sun Belt Conference series. TXST lost two straight at Texas Tech, right on the heels of defeating No. 9 Alabama and No. 10 Texas in back-to-back outings to finish off the Bevo Classic in Austin.
Texas State is batting .282 as a team and averages 7.53 hits and 3.93 runs per outing. They have been served well by relying on their pitching staff, which holds a 2.14 staff ERA, allowing just 6.03 hits and 2.57 opponent runs per game.
At the plate, junior utility Hannah Earls is hitting .396 with 38 hits, 14 runs and six (6) RBI. Keeping pace, sophomore outfielder Ciara Trahan hits .333 with a team-high 19 runs and also 10 RBI on 34 hits and 13 walks. Junior outfielder Piper Randolph isn't far behind at .330, notching 14 runs and 10 RBI off 29 hits. The trio has also accounted for 28 of TXST's 39 stolen bases.
In her 23rd season with the Bobcats, head coach Ricci Woodard has a record of 780-473-2 (.622).
Ticket Information
Single-Game Ticket Prices (all seats general admission)
- Adults: $7
- Juniors (ages 3-18): $5
- Seniors (ages 60+): $5
- Military (with ID): $5
- UTSA Students: Students receive free admission to all home games by showing a UTSA ID at the entrance to Roadrunner Field
Buy your game tickets HERE.
Game Promotions and Events
- Battle of I-35 Fan Cards – UTSA Marketing will have rivalry cards available at the marketing table for all in attendance.
- UTSA Football Head Coach Jeff Traylor will throw out the first pitch
- UTSA Giving Day – Getting a head start on UTSA's Giving Day (April 4-5), UTSA Athletics is partnering with Ray Redding for a $1 donation match for each attendee at Wednesday's game.
- RUN HOME WITH PLUCKERS – All attendees will receive Pluckers coupons when UTSA hits its first home run!
How to watch UTSA vs. Texas State
Wednesday, March 22: 6:00 p.m.
Broadcast Stream: CUSA.tv
Live Stats: UTSA
Up Next
After facing the Bobcats, UTSA will have its first BYE weekend of the season. Next week, the Roadrunners will travel to Waco to face No. 20 Baylor (March 29), before heading to Miami for a C-USA series at FIU (March 31 - April 2).
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